The AgriFood Training Partnership

The AFTP comprises an elite partnership of research institutions that have the scientific credentials to provide training in the technical skills and innovation needs of the UK agriculture and food industries on a global stage. The primary role of the AFTP is to deliver University-accredited and recognised high-level training that up-skills staff employed within the agrifood sector and disseminates the quality and technical advancements of UK research. This remit makes a major contribution to the commitment of BBSRC, as outlined in its 2015/16 delivery plan, to support world class training in the biosciences and provide the skills necessary for delivering continuing innovation in the bioeconomy to generate benefits for society within the UK and worldwide.

The AFTP comprises an elite partnership of research institutions that have the scientific credentials to provide training in the technical skills and innovation needs of the UK agriculture and food industries on a global stage. The primary role of the AFTP is to deliver University-accredited and recognised high-level training that up-skills staff employed within the agrifood sector and disseminates the quality and technical advancements of UK research. This remit makes a major contribution to the commitment of BBSRC, as outlined in its 2015/16 delivery plan, to support world class training in the biosciences and provide the skills necessary for delivering continuing innovation in the bioeconomy to generate benefits for society within the UK and worldwide.

Arrangements for capturing AFTP impacts will be tightly structured. At the inception of the AFTP we will employ an independent assessor, with experience of the UK Treasury Green Book methodology (see Appendix 1 in the Business Case), to carry out an initial survey of the impact that AFTP training has on individuals, businesses and contribution to the UK bioeconomy and to advise on methods of recording these parameters. Appropriate qualitative and quantitative data will then be recorded and reporting of impact progress will be a requirement for the agenda of every governance meeting. Three years after the establishment of the AFTP we will re-engage with the assessor to review progress against defined criteria, using the data obtained to assess and quantify the contribution of the AFTP to UK productivity. Further evidence outlining the impact that the AFTP will have on the Agri-food community are given in section 2.1 and 3.4.4.