In terms of research and development it focused on meeting customer and industry needs for competitiveness and sustainable growth through knowledge generation. There was also a need to improve on quarantine services and climate change research. Technical support would be given to small producers for market access. Agricultural production would focus on new technologies and agricultural practices, and agronomy, including training on entomology, soil health and horticulture. Training in harvest technologies would focus on harvesting, packaging, transport and storage. Development and training in skills had to focus on scientific, technical and agricultural skills. Bursaries were provided from undergraduate up to post-doctoral level.