NFU Horticulture Committee (Hansard, 20 October 1988)

§ 7. Mr. Jack
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the chairman of the National Farmers Union horticulture committee; and what matters were discussed.

§ Mr. MacGregor
My noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary last met the chairman of the NFU horticulture committee on 20 September, when the main subject under discussion was horticultural research.

§ Mr. Jack
My right hon. Friend will be aware of the considerable concerns expressed in horticulture about his proposals for revised funding arrangements. This is a highly competitive industry. Can my right hon. Friend give me an assurance that any changes to the funding arrangements will be phased in to allow the industry adequate time to adjust to the new regime?

§ Mr. MacGregor
There is a later question on the Order Paper about research and development generally, but it is entirely right to ask the industry—whatever the sector—to undertake more of the near-market research. I recognise that a higher proportion of horticultural research and development has been classified as near-market because a high proportion of the work is close to commercial application. We are engaged in intensive discussions with the horticulture industry on this point, and I can tell my hon. Friend that timing is one of the matters that are being discussed.

§ Ms. Armstrong
I wonder whether the Minister will give some definition of precisely what is meant by near-market research for horticulture? Most of the horticulturists whom I have met in my constituency are bewildered. They have pursued the matter with the Ministry, but they are no nearer to understanding precisely what it is that they have been asked to do. They feel, and I support them, that 60 per cent. from the industry within the next three years is the death knell for it.

§ Mr. MacGregor
That is a big exaggeration. The broad definition of near-market research is that it is work that offers the possibility of commercial exploitation or application within a short enough time to justify investment by industry. That is what is happening in many industries outside horticulture and agriculture. We have specified in detail the kind of research projects that we believe come within the definition of near-market research. That is one of the subjects that is also part of the discussion with the industry—to agree on which of the projects should come within the definition.

§ Mrs. Roe
Is my right hon. Friend aware that Hatfield polytechnic has recently launched a unique, new BSc degree course in horticulture, in collaboration with Writtle agricultural college? It is the first horticultural degree course that has been mounted outside the university system. Will my right hon. Friend take the opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the initiative, which will provide a steady stream of highly trained experts to ensure that horticulture is equipped to meet the challenges of the 1990s and beyond?

§ Mr. MacGregor
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that matter. I am happy to congratulate those involved.
Many sectors of horticulture are facing expanding markets. It is important that they are competitive and that they meet the changing requirements of consumers. I am sure that the higher the skills involved, the better placed the industry will be.