The call is the biggest HGCA has been involved in outside the Recommended Lists and follows on from widespread consultation with the industry during its research strategy review which identified soil health and structure as a top research priority.

Researchers are invited to submit Expressions of Interest detailing how their ideas will fill current gaps in knowledge and ultimately provide growAhers and agronomists with practical information on soil management.

The funding may go towards either one large project or several smaller projects running from June 2012 for up to four years. Proposed projects will need to reflect HGCA’s core goals of increasing crop yields, improving quality, increasing business profitability and protecting the environment.

HGCA research manager Shamal Mohammed said: "Over the last five years a number of reports have identified knowledge gaps in on-farm soil management, as well as looking at the part soil science has to play in ensuring the industry’s sustainability in years to come.

"This funding shows HGCA’s commitment to providing information which both satisfies growers’ immediate needs and looks to prepare the arable sector for the challenges that lie ahead."

Expressions of Interest should be submitted by 29 December 2011. More information about the application procedure can be found at http://www.hgca.com/calls or by contacting shamal.mohammed@hgca.ahdb.org.uk

New board members sought

The Agriculture and Horticulture Board is seeking two new members for the HGCA Board responsible for its activity in the UK cereals and oilseeds sector.

HGCA Chairman Jonathan Tipples said: "The appointments represent an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the cereals and oilseeds industry against a backdrop of global price volatility, scientific advances and evolving end markets."

Both appointments are for three year terms from March 2012 and require up to 24 days’ commitment per year, including attendance at five HGCA Board meetings in Warwickshire.

AHDB is funded by statutory levy paid by the growers and processors of cereals and oilseeds. Funding is used to carry out a range of research, marketing and knowledge transfer activities to support the sectors. Candidates should demonstrate a good working knowledge of the UK cereals and oilseeds sector and have experience of developing and implementing strategy.

For further information visit http://www.ahdb.org.uk or for an information pack contact Sharon Anderson, Company Secretariat, AHDB, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL or sharon.anderson@ahdb.org.uk

HGCA early planting survey underway

Growers are being urged to fill out an HGCA survey should it arrive in the post this week.

More than 5,000 farms across England and Wales have been chosen to take part in the HGCA Early Planting Survey. Results from the survey will be used to provide an estimate of the area of cereals and oilseed rape planted for the 2012 crop in Great Britain. By publishing the results of the survey, HGCA aims to help growers with their marketing decisions as well as giving the industry and policy makers a clear picture of land use in the UK.