OST Review of Science in Defra
Response from the Applied Research Forum for Farming and Food

We welcome this opportunity to comment on the science conducted by Defra.

The Applied Research Forum (ARF) has a core membership drawn from the seven agricultural and horticultural levy boards within the UK.  It was established by the levy boards in response to recommendations by the Policy Commission on Farming and Food. 

This response focuses on those areas of common interest to the levy bodies. A number of them will also be responding independently, covering specific livestock or crop related issues.

1. has delivered a clear overall science strategy

From our perspective we believe that this is the case.  In particular, we strongly welcome the publication of the First Report of the Sustainable Farming and Food Research Priorities Group (RPG) and Defra's commitment to support the research identified in the report. The report gives a balanced view of sustainability and we would strongly encourage Defra to ensure that no one of the three pillars of sustainability is given undue emphasis.

Whilst the RPG report identifies priorities, I believe that it was not the intention of the Group to define the entire scope of Defra funding in sustainable farming and food (Professor Jellis represented the ARF as an assessor at RPG meetings).

Defra states that it is committed to working in partnership and we would strongly encourage this. This should include the research councils, the FSA, the devolved administrations, and industry (including the levy bodies).

2. 'horizon scans' to identify future science-related issues

We are aware that Defra has been horizon scanning for a number of years, and this process has been very evident in the identification of strategic priorities by the RPG. Reviewing the effectiveness of horizon scanning, say every five years, would be a worthwhile exercise.

3. reviews and harnesses existing research and identifies gaps and opportunities for future research

We believe that Defra is effective in reviewing research, identifying gaps and opportunities and prioritising. Levy body members have been part of the review process and we welcome this.
There is some concern that in some areas there is a high staff turnover which can lead to a reactive rather than a proactive response.

4. Commissions and manages new research

We are generally impressed by the processes Defra uses to commission and manage research.  The processes are well documented.

Levy bodies are very involved in the LINK programmes, and are strong supporters of this industry-led approach to research funding. 

5. ensures the quality and relevance of the work it carries out and sponsors

We welcome the robust procedures that Defra has in place to ensure science is of a high quality. As levy bodies, we benefit from this as we fund many of the same research groups.  In agriculture, much of the non-LINK work is now more focused towards policy-makers than farmers.

6.  uses the research and scientific advice, for example in formulating policy

Much of the work currently funded by Defra is to inform policy and we applaud the application of science to policy making whenever relevant. Locating scientists within policy divisions should facilitate this.

7. publishes results and debates their implications openly
8. shares, transfers and manages knowledge

The ARF considers that the whole area of knowledge dissemination is a significant weakness within Defra. The body of published research is not easy to access and the route to exploitation of the information is often not clear. Development of a knowledge transfer path for projects at the commissioning stage would be valuable. A higher profile for knowledge transfer in Defra's strategy would be valuable. In the new SEERAD research strategy, knowledge transfer is one of the three key objectives.

The ARF is willing to assist Defra in delivering relevant information to our levy payers.

9. Has implemented the guidance contained in Guidelines 2000 and the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees

10. Uses, maintains and develops scientific expertise

There is currently a crisis within agricultural/horticultural research, with few young scientists being attracted into this area. We have no evidence that Defra is trying to address this issue. Much research is funded on a short term basis leading to poor career paths for scientists. SEERAD is currently trying to address this issue through a major objective 'Sustainability of the SEERAD Research Base', which includes the development of long term partnerships.  We consider that the withdrawal of MAFF studentships has had a serious impact on agricultural/horticultural research and propose that Defra considers how this can be rectified.

15 April 2005