The minister for food, farming and sustainable energy, Lord Whitty, today announced his conclusions on the future of Horticulture Research International in light of the Defra-commissioned Quinquennial review.

HRI's board and senior management have welcomed the minister's statement outlining his vision for the future of HRI. The proposed model provides HRI with the opportunity to secure r&d for the benefit of UK horticulture and to excel at the underpinning science through its teams of researchers and scientists.

In a statement issued this morning, HRI commented: 'It is an exciting time for HRI and we are positive it will allow us to serve the best interests of our many stakeholders whilst building new partnerships with industry.' The minister's announcement and continuing discussions with Defra pave the way for immediate negotiations with the University of Warwick to merge with a 'new HRI' centered at Wellesbourne, and with the East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research (EMTHR) for the retention of activity at East Malling, including hops at Wye.

Following the 2002 consultation period, the review team has produced an addendum to the report stating that the report's recommendations remain unchanged for Kirton. However, one of the report's revisions concerns the future of Efford.

'The University of Warwick with HRI will now determine whether a viable business plan can be prepared for Efford to allow it to continue to serve both horticultural and wider industries as part of the proposed 'new HRI'.

The report's addendum emphasises the recommendation that the proposed annual £5 million, four-year competitive contract for an agreed programme of strategic research in horticulture, is to be reviewed and renewed on a rolling four-year schedule – in parallel with the four-year BBSRC competitive strategic grant.

After a prolonged period of uncertainty, HRI's staff and management are pleased that the recommended changes will happen without a waiting period, with a view to being in place by April 1, 2004.