Research and Development Strategy
Protected Edibles Panel R&D Strategy
The Protected Crops Panel has now split into Protected Edibles and Protected Ornamentals in line with the new HDC structure of Vegetable, Fruit and Ornamental teams. It was felt this would allow the panels to be more focused, less time consuming and appraise projects with similar objectives. There are important areas of overlap and commonality between the two panels and the decision has been made to hold one joint meeting per annum to cover these cross-over topics.
The Protected Edibles Panel contributes around 20% of the annual HDC income. This sector Panel encompasses protected salad crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, herbs, celery, and aubergines.
This overarching R&D strategy has been drawn together from the individual grower association documents which are all available on the website. It summarises the main four objectives of:
- Crop protection
Crop protection continues to be a major concern for the sector with research and development of robust, sustainable, integrated pest and disease management programmes needed. The sectors various grower organisations are working towards pesticide free products and need supporting in this process. Fundamental science tackling diseases, across crops, is required particularly whilst optimising energy efficiency. In light of EC 91/414/EEC a continued identification of potential gaps in pesticides is important, with the SOLA programme providing support for chemical control options. Looking forward, it will be important to develop alternatives to chemical controls where actives are likely to be lost. Contingency plans for monitoring and controlling potential pests and diseases which may become established due to climate change are considered essential.
- Increasing productivity through resource efficiency
The target of reducing labour costs per unit of production is a major challenge and involves business management, capital investment, staff training and in some instances, legislative issues. The high labour input required for this sector in current production systems requires cost-effective ergonomic solutions for the most expensive labour activities. In the longer term, novel growing systems that can be predominantly automated should be developed and evaluated for these crops. Efficiencies in all elements of the systems (e.g. water and fertiliser use) must improve to keep pace with competition.
Optimising the glasshouse environment will remain a priority with practical energy saving measures required. Areas of glass with CHP systems continue to expand and alternative energy options are always a priority. Growers need support with selecting alternative sources looking forward to a fossil fuel free age.
- Achieving quality
Providing assurance of a safe product is critical to all Ready To Eat growers. Science to support risk assessment procedures and residue monitoring is welcomed. Research into nutritional benefits of crops would help the sector promote their products.
- Improving environmental performance
The protected crops sector in particular needs to have a dynamic approach to the challenges of energy and emissions reduction. The HDC energy strategy should have constant review and input, by this Panel, to respond quickly to government legislation and new technologies and transfer that information. Growers must be helped to identify and minimise their environmental footprint. In the future linking glasshouse production with low grade heat sources will mean efficient production systems can be achieved and waste heat utilised, actually providing a solution to achieve reductions of GHG from heavy industry.
Legislative pressures are increasing, not just for pesticide use and GHG emissions. Hence, greater emphasis will need to be placed on issues such as the efficient use of water, minimising run-off from nurseries and compliance with the waste management regulations. There is considerable scope to tackle these issues through a range of knowledge transfer initiatives delivering immediate assistance to growers. The Governments low carbon transition plan will affect all of agriculture and growers will need assistance to meet the requirements of the industry-led voluntary action plan.
The Panel would also welcome input to the strategy from levy paying growers who may not be members of grower associations and would ask them to contact the HDC Technical Manager directly.
The HDC communications team work closely with the individual scientists, growers and Panels and have rolling sector plans of communications activities and outputs, these are highlighted in the Comments section.
Dr Becky Turner
HDC Research Manager
Download R&D Strategy Tables for Protected Edibles (XLS - 93K)
Download R&D Strategy for Plant Propagators Ltd (PDF - 50k)
Download R&D Strategy for Cucumber Growers Association (PDF - 29k)
Download R&D Strategy for Pepper Technology Group (PTG R&D Strategy) (PDF - 58k)
Download R&D Strategy for Tomato Growers Association (R&D Strategy 2009) (PDF - 519k)
Download R&D Strategy for Herbs (PDF - 77k)
Download R&D Strategy for Protected Leafy Salad Group (PDF - 47k)
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