The RASE Practice with Science Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Don Curry, considers soil to be fundamental both for food production and environmental well being and sought funds for a report to be undertaken by Professor Dick Godwin. The report was to examine ways to improve production without adversely affecting soil health and the environment and would address the key questions

1. is there adequate research taking place and is it the right research?
2. are there enough soils related experts to meet the needs?
3. is there the capability to train new soil related scientists and is there a career structure for them?
4. what can farmers do at a practical level to safeguard/increase soil health/fertility?
    

AFCP communicated this request to all the charities on its database and Felix Cobbold Trust responded promptly with a significant grant that enabled the report to be completed successfully to time and to budget. Subsequently this report has had a major influence on attitudes to soils and soil management.