Two of the country’s biggest research organisations have signed a mutual agreement to work on collaborative research projects, in a bid to bolster industry R&D amid fears of national spending cuts.
The Yorkshire-based Stockbridge Technology Centre (STC), and ADAS, which has a network of centres all over the country, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) jointly indicating their intentions to work together in collaborative R&D projects and technology transfer activities in support of UK growers, with the aim benefiting the horticultural industry as a whole.
ADAS, which has been established for over 36 years, provides ‘independent science-based research’ to a range of industries on ‘the interaction of man with the living, growing environment and ensuring its future sustainability’, whilst STC provides research on crops including protected salads, outdoor vegetables, cut flowers and ornamentals.
In a statement, the organisations said that ADAS and STC staff have ‘significant expertise in problem-solving, applied research and technology transfer for the UK horticultural industry’. They said that by working together, both companies are looking to exploit the ‘synergies’ in their complimentary skills and facilities base to help the industry meet the ‘many challenges’ it faces in the coming years.
Colin Harvey, chairman for the HDC, said: “This is great news for the industry. Both organisations demonstrate how they deliver focused near-market R&D for growers and the synergy of their combined efforts will significantly add further value.”
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