Initial results from the Recommended Lists (RL) review

The Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) remains valued, according to a comprehensive review of the variety trialling project.

A new video, available on the AHDB Cereal & Oilseeds YouTube channel, outlines the key messages arising from the RL review.

The review confirmed that the project’s core activities remain aligned with industry needs. However, it also identified areas of potential improvement.

AHDB is currently reviewing, costing and prioritising opportunities to enhance the delivery of variety information to industry.

The RL summer edition (2023/24) is also now available to download.

Over 900 people provided views during the review.

Most people responded via a questionnaire, which was posted with the first (winter) edition of the RL 2023/24 booklet and published online.

Around three-quarters of responses were from farmers, demonstrating their passion for varieties and this coordinated network of variety trials.

More detailed discussions took place at several events, including online focus groups (aimed at farmers and agronomists) and stakeholder interviews (aimed at the wider supply chain).

The video presentation, by Jenna Watts, AHDB Head of Crop Health and IPM, outlines the key messages emerging from the first phase of the review process. These include:

• The RL remains valued, with personal experience and RL data driving variety decisions
• There is very strong demand for new varieties
• The number of varieties on the RL is about right
• Pest and disease resistance is the most important variety feature
• There is interest in more variety data, such as performance under lower inputs, new attributes and regional information
• The RL booklet is well used (with opportunities to develop other outputs)

This autumn, recommendations arising from the review will be considered by the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds sector council and RL Board.

Details about how the RL will change, including a timeframe for delivery, is expected to be released this winter.

In spring 2022, levy payers gave the RL a score of 4.2/5.0 for importance during the Shape the future process.  

In response, the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds sector council recommitted to funding the RL and pledged to review it as part of its five-year sector plan.

RL reviews are thorough and cover many aspects, from the type and nature of the trials to the way data is analysed and variety decisions are made.

The results help AHDB direct investment, so the RL always delivers the most important variety data to industry.

Critically, the reviews provide an opportunity to change the way RL data is presented, making sure that results reach its diverse users at the right time and in the right format.

This RL summer edition, featuring additional information on quality and markets, is available online.

This edition also includes variety comments and, where available, parentage information.

You can access the new edition and find out how to get a hard copy on the RL home page.