DEFRA has recently commissioned a study “Survey of external capabilities to meet DEFRA’s strategic aims” which is considering capability needs now and into the future, across the breadth of the Department’s research requirements. Earlier this year, a one-day Agriculture Research Funding Conference and an Evidence Strategy Workshop run for DEFRA’s Chief Scientific Adviser brought together key stakeholders, agriculture, food and environmental research scientists and funders. The study report together with recommendations from these workshops will be used to influence future planning and strategic evidence management and the revision of DEFRA’s Evidence and Innovation Strategy.