The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has ordered a review of horticultural research and development objectives in the UK, following a recommendation by the House of Commons' agriculture select committee.

Consultants Sir Colin Spedding, Brian Jamieson and Robert Hillier OBE have been drafted in to appraise the current r&d programmes of the chief UK public and industry funding bodies.

Their brief is to 'identify and distinguish objectives', and detect any gaps or duplications in the research. They will also assess the extent to which the needs of the horticulture industry, the supply chain and consumers are being met by publicly and levy-funded r&d.

The consultants will submit their draft report to Defra by mid-January.