How to submit research and knowledge exchange (R&KE) ideas to AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds

AHDB provides independent evidence to help levy payers navigate many challenges associated with farming. Find out how you can submit research and knowledge exchange (R&KE) ideas to help us provide robust answers to the most pressing questions facing growers of cereals and oilseeds.

In addition to core activities, such as the Recommended Lists (RL), the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds sector plan provides scope to fund R&KE activities that speed up the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices on farm and in the supply chain.

It is crucial that our activity is levy-payer led, so we welcome any ideas for investment from levy payers that address the long-term profitability of the cereals and oilseeds sector.

There are no forms to fill in. Simply submit your idea via email: research.ideas@ahdb.org.uk

Please indicate if you are happy for AHDB to contact you about the information submitted.

Your details will be kept in line with our privacy notice.

Top tips

• Ideas that align with the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds sector plan 2022–2027 will be prioritised
• Provide as much information as possible, including why the topic is important (to you and the wider industry)
• Contact an appropriate member of the AHDB team to discuss your submission

1. Levy payers submit questions or ideas to AHDB (via email or at events).
2. AHDB staff review submissions and develop thematic proposals.
3. The R&KE committee reviews proposals, considering the value for levy payers, and either rejects or accepts proposals.
4. For accepted proposals, the committee may request a full project brief (covering potential costs, collaboration opportunities and the approach required) or a scoping review (to provide an overview of the evidence).
5. The committee reviews all information provided and makes recommendations to the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Council – this could include a request for research, communication or KE activities.
6. Key investment decisions are published on the AHDB website.

Because staff need to review submissions and develop thematic proposals, please submit ideas several weeks before the next R&KE committee meeting.

Thematic proposals will be assessed by the R&KE committee and the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Council during regular (usually quarterly) meetings.

This levy-payer-led research commissioning process was introduced in 2024. Details about key investment decisions will be available on this web page.

Next R&KE committee meetings: 27 August 2024 and 25 October 2024.

Next Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Council meetings: 20 September 2024 and 20 November 2024.

R&KE committee chair

James Standen, a farmer and AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Council member, chairs the R&KE committee.