AHDB seeks levy payers for cereals and oilseeds committee
© Adobe Stock The AHDB is looking for two new members to join its new Research & Knowledge Exchange (R&KE) committee, to give levy payers a greater say in what research is commissioned.
The new farmer-led committee provides a more agile way to commission one-off projects to supplement research, which includes the Recommended Lists (RL), the nutrient management guide (RB209) and fungicide performance analysis.
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James Standen, who chairs the R&KE committee and is a farmer member of the sector council explains: “The new R&KE commissioning approach puts farmers at the front and centre of investment decisions.
“With their ideas considered quarterly, it also makes investment decisions more responsive to evolving priorities. It is an exciting time to be at the forefront of crop research.”
£300,000 secured
The committee was created in response to an extensive consultation in 2022 to ensure projects are scientifically valid and relevant, with sufficient return on investment. It has secured over £300,000 from the sector council for research investment for 2024-25.
The new approach has strengthened AHDB’s voice in discussions with other major R&KE funders, with the aim to leverage as much funding as possible from non-levy sources.
For example, the RL receives almost £3m (cash equivalent) annually from non-AHDB sources, highlighting what can be achieved through effective collaboration.
Ana Reynolds, who was recently appointed to oversee R&KE activities at AHDB, said: “The new R&KE approach ensures our work is levy-payer led. The R&KE committee will focus our limited resources to address the most pressing challenges that face growers of cereals and oilseeds.
“A good stock of ideas for R&KE investment is essential for the approach to work, so we have made it easy for levy payers to submit ideas 24/7, via the letterbox on our website or talking with staff,” Ana added.
AHDB has set up a webpage that provides further information, and the deadline for applications is 30 November 2024.
Crop agronomy research topics
The initial projects, including several that will operate over multiple years, cover:
- Assessment of young plant resistance to yellow rust in winter wheat
- Monitoring cabbage stem flea beetle in winter oilseed rape
- Updating guidance on cover crops
- Development of evidence-based cover crop case studies (cover crop champions)
- Updating ergot management guidelines
- Biopesticide efficacy trials in winter wheat
- Assessment of key crop physiology traits in cereals (including vigour)
- Understanding fusarium mycotoxin risk in winter and spring oat varieties
- Improving barley yellow dwarf virus management tools for winter cereals.
