Abstract
In addition to research driving Environmental Stewardship, Defra has supported a significant portfolio of research to enable business led innovation in grassland management. The enhancement of the biodiversity value of grassland and other grazed habitats through informing the development of policy with respect to farming systems and innovation in business led farm practice is a major policy driver behind this production orientated research. In addition to work on grassland flora and grazing, wider research in support of grassland related biodiversity outcomes ranges from research supporting plant and animal breeding through to animal nutrition and husbandry. Defra wants to ensure that this type of research is effective in relation to the outcomes sought. Defra seeks to ensure that it is founded on a clear understanding of the impact of the research on farm practice with respect to the biodiversity outcomes sought. This study will summarise ongoing and recently completed research. As one basis for the input into the direction of future research, the study will briefly evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the research approaches and targets to the biodiversity outcomes sought. Following on from this, the main purpose is to provide guidance to Defra on if and how biodiversity outcomes should be supported by this type of production research in the future. This study is being commissioned on the advice of the cross-Defra Environment and Landscape R&D Working Group, informed by the Research Priorities Group Report. It is being procured by the DG for Sustainable Farming and Food.
United Kingdom