1. The Horticulture Innovation Partnership Extending links for collaborative research and innovation in Horticulture Mary Bosley Chair of the HIP

2. Why is Horticulture innovation important to the UK economy ? Sector makes a vital contribution to jobs, food security, nutrition, health and well-being. Employs over 100,000 workers. Occupies 5% of the (non-grass) cropped land area. Produces 40% of total farm gate sales, worth £3.4 billion. Three-fold value-added multiplier downstream in processing and supply chains. Source: Defra (2011) and AHDB MI (2011).

3. The Challenges A vision for innovation which prioritises research needs and aligns with funders’ policies and priorities and helps industry to: Expand UK and overseas markets. Drive profitability along the supply chain. Enhance competitiveness & resilience

4. How the HIP works A developing partnership between growers, suppliers, processors, packers, retailers, policymakers, research funders and providers. Launched in March 2013 - conceived and funded by industry as an independent stakeholder organisation. Industry-led activities through tri-partite working groups comprising industry, research providers and funders. The HIP Funders Group informs research funders of the research challenges faced by industry.

5. How the HIP works The Partnership has worked together to develop a shared vision for business innovation to create a resilient Industry, able to take advantage of expanding opportunities in a global marketplace. The HIP is: A contact point to influence research funds offered by Govt. and other organisations. Ensuring there are funded programs directly relevant to Horticulture and Potatoes.

6. A HIP case study – Ornamentals Strategy Initiative joining up whole ornamental supply chain raising industry profile and demonstrating the benefits of plants and landscapes. 13 industry organisations contributed and circa100 others consulted. Identified 9 key research objectives to deliver the benefits. Objective to influence policy and priority setting across Govt. departments and to encourage Research Councils to use existing and new funding schemes to deliver the agenda.

7. Extending links for collaboration – as Horticulture Coordinators for BBSRC As the coordinator for the BBSRC Horticulture and Potato Initiative (HAPI), the HIP is steering researchers to focus on the Industry’s challenges to deliver business benefits. 10 projects funded through HAPI rounds 1 & 2. The HIP advocates industry partners’ needs & ensures pathway to impact and knowledge sharing. Fostering wider links between projects to create a HAPI community. Building awareness of successful collaborations between companies & researchers to secure further participation in public-private funding.

8. Extending links for collaboration – Horticulture Knowledge Exchange Fellowship A new Research Councils’ initiative - BBSRC / NERC co-funded 3 KE fellows in partnership with the HIP, who will: Facilitate networks between industry and academic research groups to enable an accelerated uptake of research outputs. Enable supply chain businesses to access NERC and BBSRC research investments to address innovation needs. Publicise advances that could benefit industry. Highlight gaps in knowledge & barriers to the uptake of research. Translate industry challenges into clear & prioritised research opportunities.

9. Extending links for collaboration – the Agri-Tech Strategy Disappointingly the HIP- led Innovation Centre (IC) proposal did not succeed. The proposal, built through extensive consultation with the supply chain & capturing industry priorities, remains valid. The HIP has engaged with emerging consortia to include these priorities in their proposals and we shall continue drive discussions with the funded ICs. The HIP can make the connections between the ICs and provide an interface to the industry. Sector positioned to take best advantage of the Agri-Tech ICs to energise innovation and drive growth.

10. Conclusion The HIP is extending links for collaborative research and innovation for horticulture. By driving discussions with HIP stakeholders to ensure future research and innovation needs are clearly articulated to potential funders and investors. We are facilitating stakeholder engagement in relevant funding initiatives and opportunities through our communications activities. We welcome you to be part of the HIP community - visit www.hip.org.uk www.hip.org.uk