Summary of the meeting of the Applied Research Forum
held on 29 April 2003

Terms of Reference and Objectives
These had been produced by the Chairmen's Group. They are rather long and a succinct mission statement is required. The following objectives were agreed:
a) To produce quick returns for Levy payers, things that will make a difference:
b) To look at strategic, long term needs, that are important to industry;
c) To look at European initiatives and get EU funding.

Current Joint Activities
It was felt that the significance of levy bodies' joint work through LINK is not fully recognised. Gaps in the programmes need to be identified and the levy bodies should work together to address this.

Year One Output
One of the outputs required of the ARF is workshops and conferences in areas of common interest. After discussion it was agreed that the first three themes should be Waste Prevention and Management, Biodiversity (with a focus on soil) and Nutrition and Health.

Defra Research Priorities Board
The RPG will consist of 9 members and a chairman (Prof Chris Pollock from IGER). Prof.  Jellis will represent the ARF as an assessor, along with representatives of BBSRC, FSA, DARD, SEERAD and WAG. The group needs to identify what research will need to be delivered in 2010.

Resourcing the ARF
The levy bodies are each contributing £3K, making a total of £21K. It was felt that if the Forum is to make an impact, full time staff may be required.

Publicity
It was decided that we should get a clear mission statement as soon as possible and then put together a press release about the formation of the Forum, its aims, and immediate activities. Mid June was identified as a possible launch date.