A steering group chaired by Andrew Colquhoun, director-general of the Royal Horticultural Society, said: 'The NHF has the mission to provide a clear and consistent view of wider horticultural research and development issues, as well as their contexts, which are widely acknowledged by the major stakeholders.

'The forum complements rather than competes with the remit of existing organisations and processes by clearly addressing concerns, gaps and opportunities which are of major significance to industry, society and government collectively.' Brian Jamieson has been appointed to undertake projects over the next six months, the costs of which will be met by the steering group. The group will then discuss how it wants to evolve.

Jamieson's role will involve clarifying working links between the forum and other bodies, as well as developing a skills audit to identify how closely the UK skills base for horticultural r&d matches the anticipated requirements of customers.

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