Transferring innovation in plant science into practical agriculture

NIAB champions the role of independent agronomic research in UK agriculture and horticulture. We bring together a network of field-based variety evaluation and crop husbandry trials and expertise in interpretation and dissemination, with the specialist soils, rotations, weeds and cultivations research of NIAB's Farming Systems team.

Across a range of crop species our role includes:

• working with industry to develop key research areas
• conducting a wide range of independent field studies, trials and laboratory studies
• taking a leading role in knowledge transfer and exchange
• providing technical training
• supplying bespoke research

Research is funded from charitable, levy, government and industry sources, often in collaboration with partner organisations and institutions and by NIAB members. This research, including laboratory studies, field trials and literature reviews, is conducted and reported either confidentially or with the facility to make this information more generally available.

NIAB takes a leading role in industry-wide initiatives aimed at interpreting and disseminating the findings of key projects and studies, ensuring knowledge gained is transferred quickly and effectively back to funders and onto farm. Through the NIAB TAG Membership, the Cambridge University Potato Growers Research Association (CUPGRA), the Eastern Agritech Innovation Hub and fruit grower associations, we have a strong engagement with commercial production ensuring our research remains relevant to growers, packers, processors, agronomists and other industry stakeholders. At the Eastern Agritech Innovation Hub NIAB works with farmers and SMEs to address waste reduction and valorisation.