One of the key research and development challenges across the levy boards is managing the balance between the different sector-specific agendas and those areas where working together with at least one other levy board would either reduce costs or allow genuine cross sector research opportunities. I have been impressed at how individual teams have responded to this challenge and there is now a real consensus and clarity over the collective agenda and how this is prioritised. As predicted, many of the projects for a joint approach are applicable to only two or three of the individual sectors.

Close collaboration has been achieved by two major initiatives. Dedicated workshops held by the technical and communications directors mapped out a matrix of issues requiring investigation which led to an agreed programme for collective work. Additional meetings have ensured that the technical teams became fully conversant with their colleagues in other levy boards as well as understanding the most significant joint project areas.

The key area where a high level collective approach is needed is the overarching issue of climate change.This, together with the economic forces of energy availability and cost, is presenting all sectors with a major challenge as to how energy and food production come into conflict while addressing their environmental impact.

Initiatives like these take a considerable amount of time and effort and I must thank Professor Graham Jellis for his dedication in steering the activities of the ARF while attending to his responsibilities within the Home-Grown Cereals Authority. In accordance with the protocol established at the start of the ARF, Graham has now stepped down as lead technical director and Brian Lindsay from the Milk Development Council (which is being replaced by DairyCo in April 2008) has taken his place and is already showing the same high level of dedication.

I am sure the new board of the Agricultural and Horticultural Levy Board will appreciate the position of
the ARF and its modus operandi as an efficient and low cost way of addressing collective research and technology issues. I wish them well in serving farmers and growers in the future.

Colin Harvey
Chairman
March 2008