National Horticultural Research Network - Horticulture Industry ...

National Horticultural Research Network
Implementing the future Framework September 2010
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A coordinated approach to the research area that utilises complementary resources and
capabilities of PISC agencies through the NHRN to achieve more integrated research
programs and more efficient RD&E investment
A vehicle for the collaborative (industry, Major Agency and Support Agencies) design and
refinement of the program to ensure they are tightly focused
Stability of funding for a five year term:
o For industry, the higher likelihood of a strongly positive outcome due to the best team
being tightly focused on the issue. High leverage of research levies by co-investment
from agencies.
o For agencies, stability of funding to support RD&E capability. Focused,
nationally/internationally coordinated programs leading to better strategic outcomes.
Through the NHRN, the Major Agency would lead and coordinate the development of these programs
with committed support from other NHRN agencies.
6.2.2 The Role of the Support Agencies
Support agencies continue to have an important role under the Framework. They
Will continue to be leaders in particular areas of R&D for an industry.
May take a role in R&D just for their state. Support Agencies may simply work in
collaboration with a Major agency - conducting a node of research in a national project that
fits with the Support agency‟s own agency investment plan
More alternatives are likely to emerge as the Framework is implemented.
6.2.2.1 How does industry address R&D priorities when there is no Major Agency for
their industry in their state?
Figure 2, below, addresses this issue.
When an industry group (state or regional) does not have a Major Agency for that industry in their
state they can contact the NHRN, the Major Agency for that industry (which will be in another state)
or a Support Agency for that industry - which may be in their state or elsewhere.
Any one of these groups can feed the R&D need into the Major Agency which, in turn will feed the
issue into the industry R&D planning process. From this , if the industry decides the need has merit, a
national or state/regional R&D program can be developed.
6.2.3 Improving Communications and Building Relationships
Relevant NHRN agencies will meet with clusters of horticultural industries (e.g. temperate fruit,
tropical fruit, vegetables, lifestyle and nuts) for industry/agency update meetings. Attendees would be
senior NHRN agency members and PIB nominees. Meetings will provide an opportunity for the
NHRN agencies to be more accessible by inviting industries to table issues - a response to which
could be coordinated nationally by the NHRN.
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