Hardy Nursery Stock Strategy (2010 – 2011)

The Hardy Nursery Stock (HNS) sector contributes approximately 13% of the annual HDC income and is one of the most diverse of the 7 Sectors. The Sector encompasses numerous production systems, ranging from outdoor systems (field or container) to protected systems (glasshouse or tunnel). Businesses vary considerably in size and the markets they supply, and the most specialist nurseries concentrate on only a few plant species, while others may supply well over 1000.

The HNS Sector is subdivided into seven broad Crop Groups:

In consultation with associations that represent the interests of these groups, the HNS Panel collate research and communication funding priorities within the HNS Panel Strategy (published annually).

Based on past expenditure, there is currently an emphasis on work targeted at the two largest levy income crop groups; namely, the ‘Shrub and Climber’ group and the ‘Herbaceous, Alpines and Grasses’ group. However, due to the importance of all HNS Crop Groups, the HNS Panel encourages applications for work that will benefit (directly or indirectly) all crop groups. Potential Research Leaders (RLs) are encouraged to describe the potential wider benefits of any work within the application form for funding. RLs are also strongly advised to develop submissions in consultation with the industry. Evidence of industry demand should be clearly detailed within the application form. Covering letters/emails from industry are also gratefully received. It is vital that submissions demonstrate awareness of relevant work in other Sectors, including work conducted internationally. Where relevant, the HNS Panel is encouraged by applications that have considered the potential for co-funding by other HDC Sectors.

Funding priorities are organised under Objectives and Targets. For each Target, further details of the priorities are outlined within a series of specific 'Initiatives'. The Initiative will often indicate the need for the work and what is specifically required.

HNS Panel Objectives (2010 – 2011)

The priorities for the HNS sector have been grouped under three main Objectives.

Objective 1:
Improving the effectiveness and sustainability of crop protection

Ensuring the availability of economically-viable crop protection options is one of the most important areas of work for the HNS Sector. The HNS Panel considers funding work that targets the most problematic pest, disease and weed species. Due to multiple pressures, there is an increasing demand to provide novel and sustainable crop protection strategies - based on chemical and/or non-chemical control - and to increase the use of integrated crop management (ICM).

Objective 2:
Improving the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of production

Increasing productivity, through the efficient use of inputs, is a key objective for the HNS Sector. Although the largest production cost is labour, only a limited amount of work has been commissioned to date to identify more efficient, cost-effective techniques for reducing labour costs per unit of production. The HNS Panel welcomes applications that offer potential solutions to high labour costs. Applicants must recognise that solutions may not be straightforward owing to the need to consider management practice, staff training, capital investment and legislation.

Objective 3:
Increasing knowledge and skills

Improving the knowledge and skills of HNS Sector staff, through communication, knowledge transfer (and knowledge exchange) and technology transfer activities, are essential to the success of HNS production. The HNS Panel has placed additional emphasis on activities that collate and communicate key messages from R&D, whether commissioned within the UK or globally.

The HNS Panel recognises that the industry's priorities are constantly evolving and changing, therefore funding applications that address critical needs not outlined in the HNS Strategies will be considered.

Position on funding promotional work

The HDC is able to consider funding requests for ‘crop-specific’ promotional activities, but only if all of the following conditions are met:

1. There is a ‘market failure’ (i.e. there are no other available funding sources).
2. It is a one-off activity and includes an investigation of alternative funding sources.
3. It is approved by the relevant HDC Panel. The HNS Panel prioritises R&D and communication activities over promotional activities.

Download R&D Strategy Tables (XLS - 120K)