While the policy, legal, and financial issues have been identified and procedures put in place to take them forward, the complex nature of HRI has meant that concluding the initial phase of negotiations has been extended beyond the deadline of March 31. Negotiations are still on target for the new organisations to be in place by April 1, 2004.

Professor Michael Wilson, HRI's chief executive, said today: 'A great deal of progress has been made since the minister made his announcement about the future of HRI on January 20, giving the go-ahead for negotiations to commence on the key recommendations in the QR team's report. I am grateful to Lord Whitty and his executives for their commitment to fully implementing the changes and endeavouring to do so as quickly as possible, thereby minimising the period of uncertainty for HRI staff and customers alike. HRI scientists continue to undertake their world-class research, meeting the needs of industry and our diverse range of stakeholders. We look forward to a further positive announcement by the minister in the very near future'.

In its statement HRI's board and senior managers said they concurred that all parties involved in the negotiations have taken a positive and energetic approach to securing a viable future for the restructured organisations. The board said in its statement that UK horticulture will be best served by r&d undertaken by robust, viable organisations, constituted on realistic business principles. Although the delayed timetable is regrettable, the statement made clear that HRI is encouraged that all parties are working toward a viable outcome as quickly as the complexity of the situation allows.