Through the leadership of the Horticulture Innovation Partnership (HIP), businesses of all sizes along the supply chain have worked together with researchers and knowledge transfer experts (see www.hip.org.uk/who-we-are/collaborators) to develop a shared vision for a Fresh and Prepared Produce Innovation Centre (FPPIC).  An outline proposal to secure Agri-Tech funding for the FPPIC was submitted on 15 October and we expect to hear the outcome of this first round in late November. If funded, the FPPIC will enable a new era of collaborative engagement in research, development and knowledge exchange (KE) to energise innovation and drive growth in the produce industry, both in the UK and globally.
The FPPIC is designed to address constraints on the use of inputs, loss of crops through pests and diseases and changing climate, in a centre where world-class expertise and state- of-the-art facilities are maintained and enhanced for the delivery of research programmes relevant to the fresh, prepared and ornamental sectors. The proposal focusses on innovation opportunities in plant genetics, crop protection systems, automation and precision management tools, optimisation of resources, waste minimisation and improving nutritional value.  The goals are to facilitate access to R&D funding, maximise private sector co-investment and drive R&D programmes that are better-aligned with industry’s priorities.

As well as facilitating face to face meetings the FPPIC’s Knowledge Exchange Hub would incorporate an online ‘networking forum,’ where supply chain businesses, researchers, industry experts and consultants could engage directly with each other, share knowledge, ask questions and seek solutions. Through the Hub users would also be able to access the new Centre of Excellence in Agri-informatics and Sustainability Metrics (CAISM) and other Innovation Centres. This sharing of information online will facilitate unprecedented access to novel global research, technology and best-practice information, helping businesses to exploit new knowledge to improve competitiveness.

The Hub would also signpost the sectors to skills and training programmes to ensure the UK has a workforce with the skills necessary to exploit new systems, facilities, research and innovation.

The initial proposal is based on a core partnership of industry bodies (the HIP, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, British Growers Association, Campden BRI) and three research organisations (East Malling Research, James Hutton Institute, University of Warwick) and if successful, the HIP will continue to be inclusive and engage further industry and research partners and associates to strengthen the Centre’s capacity to deliver.

It is anticipated that the FPPIC could make consumers, policy makers, regulators, educators and the media aware of the importance of the UK fresh and prepared produce industry and its long-term value to the economy.

We would like to thank all the industry and knowledge providers who have helped develop this vision for a way forward for the industry.  It has been a shared effort to get to this stage.

A further update will be provided once we know the outcome of the first round of the funding application process.