Hundreds take part in the Recommended Lists (RL) review

Over 800 people provided their views on the AHDB Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) this winter.

Opinions were gathered as part of a major review that aims to ensure that the RL remains a world-class independent variety trialling project.

AHDB is conducting a full analysis of the responses, with a release of the headline results anticipated in the spring.

Later this year, AHDB will provide full details of how the RL may change.

Most people responded to the RL review via a questionnaire, which was posted with the current RL (2023/24) booklet and published online: ahdb.org.uk/rl-review

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

Jenna Watts, AHDB Head of Crop Health and IPM, said: “We are delighted with the response level, which exceeded that of the previous RL review in 2018. I’d like to thank everyone who contributed.

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

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.