The National Horticultural Forum (NHF) is calling for a substantial research and innovation agenda in sustainable production, health and wellbeing to create the right environment for the future success of UK horticulture.

The forum has come up with 10 key challenges that will need sustained support and plans to take these to government departments and funding agencies after the election.

Andrew Colquhoun, chairman of the NHF, said: “The politics of UK horticultural production has changed beyond recognition over the last year, with new strategies for food security, health and wellbeing and UK production developed by government. Times are tough in terms of public expenditure, but a co-ordinated response to this R&D agenda from government and its agencies, in partnership with all parts of the industry, is essential to help ensure that UK horticulture can be a major contributor to meeting these enormous challenges to society.”

The challenges the forum has identified are the need for new crop protection tools and integrated cropping systems; genetic improvement for new varieties; research to underpin health and wellbeing; understanding of waste streams, soil management and performance; labour costs and availability; efficient resource use; and peat substitution.

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