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Ensuring that adequate and sustainable crop protection measures are available for the main crop protection risks. This continues to be a top priority, increasingly so with the significant impact of the UK and EU pesticide reviews and other legislation on the availability and use of crop protection products. To achieve this objective, the HDC SOLA programme will remain of paramount importance, in conjunction with the ongoing pesticide gap analysis, which is being used to identify gaps in the armoury in order that alternative products and approaches can be developed. Sufficient actives will be sought to maintain anti-resistance strategies. Emphasis will be on new chemistry with improved environmental profiles, and on non-chemical approaches, moving towards ‘pesticide-free’ produce as a medium to long-term goal (as identified in the vegetable foresight initiative). Organic extensions to all appropriate new projects will be encouraged.

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Increasing returns on investment through the efficient use of resources. Optimising the targeting of resources to improve farm efficiency, reduce variation and improve product quality, especially through increased automation, precision agronomy, water, soil and waste management.

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Supply consistent quality product and continuity of supply to achieve customer satisfaction. Breeding for P&D resistance and quality attributes, whilst not an HDC activity, this should reflect the priorities of the industry as outlined in the strategy. This objective also includes improving storage regimes to reduce losses and retain quality, and optimising nutrition and harvest scheduling.

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Ensure a co-ordinated approach to R&D and technology transfer to farm level. This will ensure that the advances made are taken up and used for the benefit of the UK industry as a whole. HDC are aiming to improve links with allied levy bodies, DEFRA and consultants, and fully support European initiatives to achieve this aim. Review projects can help to condense knowledge from recent and current research (not only from HDC, but including national, European and international work) and make this accessible to growers. This objective also encompasses the importance of coordination of the SOLA programme with European partners for mutual cost savings.

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Provide information, which can be used to promote consumption of home grown vegetables. Heightening the awareness of consumers to the health benefits of vegetables and encouraging consumption will help expand the market and push the industry forward. In this respect the industry and the Government-funded Bangor Project has clearly shown that long-lasting beneficial results are achievable.