Crop Physiology

1. Introduction

This document is an invitation to participate in new independent data collection on crop physiology traits under low-input & organic farming systems, via on-farm trials. Submissions should be based on the information contained within this document and in the format outlined in section 5.  Deadlines and submission instructions are contained in section 7.

2. Background

In the 2023 Recommended Lists (RL) review, 14% of the 2,155 of farmer votes feeding back were for provision of crop physiological information and 11% for variety competitiveness against grass weeds as areas of future development. The review also sparked numerous levy payer and stakeholder requests for additional crop physiology information in the RL including establishment %, speed of development and evaluation of early vigour, alongside variety performance under low inputs. There was also a recommendation to investigate the performance of varieties under on-farm conditions via the collection, collation and reporting of seasonal yield data from farms. 

The proposed project addresses the above RL feedback. Additional crop physiology assessments are now underway on the RL trials in winter wheat. The scope of this 2-year project is to enable generation of robust over-years data from on-farm trials, to be published alongside the RL, and to allow the RL Wheat Crop Committee and RL Board to debate the inclusion of new traits in the RL. The project will determine if there are important physiological differences between varieties, particularly in relation to vigour and capacity to out compete weeds, and how such traits should be assessed in trials.

3. Research requirement

The requirements for this project are:  

• Work with AHDB to co-organise a workshop with other researchers and stakeholders to discuss knowledge gaps and opportunities in this area.
• Work with the RL Wheat committee and plant breeders to provide recommendations for crop physiology traits that are of importance for low-input and organic farmers.
• Establish and manage a network of on-farm trials across the UK focussed on low input systems. Relevant assessments in addition to crop physiology may be suggested.
• In collaboration with the AHDB RL team, develop & assessment protocols for selected variety traits under low-input farming systems.
• Deliver raw, analysed and interpreted data from the managed network of on-farm trials. Subject to necessary agreements, data from assessments on RL wheat trials may be made available for comparative purposes.
• Annual and final project reports will be required to present analysis and interpretation of data. Templates for these reports can be found at AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds research report templates | AHDB
• Communicates clear research outcomes that recognise the support of levy funding to as many levy payers as possible including through AHDB events such as Monitor Farm meetings and the Agronomy Conference

4. Budget

The maximum budget for delivery of both parts of this work is £50,000 (inclusive of VAT).  

5. Structure/format of submission

You may use the AHDB R&KE full proposal form if you wish, but note that the scoring criteria for this request for quotation is different to the one outlined in the AHDB R&KE full proposal form: AHDB Research and KE Full Application Form (Large)

An evaluation panel will assess submissions in line with the scoring criteria and weightings in section 6 to decide the best outcome for these services.

Alternatively, proposals in other formats will be accepted noting that clear evidence against each of the scoring criteria in section 6 is important. Your quote should also

• How you intend to address the project objectives and deliverables.
• Timelines and milestones, including a start-up discussion meeting and a review discussion following delivery of a draft review with AHDB.
• Details and the capabilities of the team that will complete the work.
• Details of any subcontractors/other organisations you will work with to achieve deliverables.
• Details and evidence of how many levy payers will be engaged with project outcomes.
• Evidence demonstrating how you or your team have completed similar or related work.
• Proposed budget (inc VAT), including a breakdown of how staff time will be allocated and payment schedule expectations.
• Your contact details.

Joint applications from two or more organisations are acceptable and encouraged where there is added value. Applications where there is the opportunity for co-funding are also encouraged. AHDB reserves the right to not proceed with any application or, if appropriate, to request applicants to form a consortium to work together to deliver a programme of activities.

An evaluation panel will assess submissions in line with the scoring criteria and weightings in section 6 to decide the best outcome for these services. The selection will be an open and fair competition according to AHDB’s procurement policy, which complies with EU state aid rules.

6. Evaluation and award of contract

Evaluation of tenders will be on the following basis:

7. Tender submissions

Submissions to be made electronically:

Submissions will remain unopened until after the closing date and time has passed

8. Timetable

Please note these timescales are approximate and may change.

A project initiation meeting will be held between the successful bidder and the project funders at the commencement of the contract.  Additional meetings will be held as required for progress updates.

9. Terms/conditions of participation

AHDB Terms and Conditions for the supply of goods and services shall apply to any contract awarded as a result of this request for quote.

If you have any questions relating to this tender please contact: