How can a successful R&D chain be restored as part of a strategy to improve competitiveness?
Firstly there has to be an understanding by decision makers that the UK agricultural industry’s competitiveness is an important component of long-term food security, and that agricultural R&D is the key to competitiveness
In the short-term in order to make quick progress, appropriate research institutes should as a priority reinstate their applied research infrastructure and staffing which has been so seriously eroded in recent years, and focus on delivering practical outcomes which will benefit the competitiveness of UK agriculture
The government should lead an R&D strategy on food security involving the agricultural industry, the food industry, funding agencies and research providers. This should involve the confirmation of research priorities, the restoration of a functioning R&D chain, and the establishment of appropriate public and private funding streams