A Review Of Plant Genetic Breeding Approaches For Field Grown Crops And Controlled Environment Agriculture And Their Role In The Delivery Of Public Goods

This project aims to conduct a comprehensive review of existing data, activities, and initiatives related to breeding research programs, supported by conversations where needed with key national stakeholders, including research centres, universities, and seed companies. The focus of this review will be on major field grown and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), including Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) crops, outside the scope of the current Defra Genetic Improvement Network (GIN) Platform. This will provide evidence and knowledge regarding opportunities and current barriers associated with the development and implementation of crop breeding techniques to deliver public goods.

The findings will update our understanding of how crop breeding techniques can contribute to delivery of public goods. For the purposes of this work, public goods include (but are not limited to) increased crop productivity, resilience to abiotic and biotic threats, biodiversity, enhanced resource use efficiency, environmental protection, soil, air and water quality, food security, improved sustainability, and the production of crops with lower inputs and GHG emissions. The selected field grown crops for consideration in this review may include, but are not limited to, barley, oats, sugar beet, orchard fruits, and potatoes. Within CEA/CEH, crops may include (for example) tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other salad crops. This study should encompass both traditional and precision breeding approach.

The contract duration is for eight (8) months with an anticipated start date of May 2025.

This is a below threshold contract therefore the opportunity will only be advertised on Contracts Finder. The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome

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