The organisations concerned with agricultural and fisheries research and development in Scotland are outlined and the institutional and funding arrangements are explained. The role of DAFS is presented in an AFRS context and the operation of the customer/contractor principle discussed. The overall objective is to improve the efficiency of plant and animal production in northern Britain, taking account of social, environmental and welfare considerations. Flexibility to respond to changing requirements is an important factor. The remits of the institutes and colleges are set out and are appropriate to the major agricultural sectors. The integrative and collaborative strengths of the commissioned work are illustrated with selected examples of relevance to produce yield, food quality, shelf-life and human diet. Advice on research and development priorities and the allocation of budgets is provided by the new Priorities Board and there is close liaison between DAFS, MAFF and AFRC to ensure co-ordination of effort.

Reference is also made to the main elements of the fisheries research programme. Revised review procedures to monitor research progress and respond to changing industry needs are described. The paper concludes by examining the problems arising from reduced funding.