Kris Peeters announced funding last week of €2.1 million for 12 agricultural and horticultural practice centres to help develop new and innovative techniques for the industry. The centres are, the minister-president said, of crucial importance in providing a bridge between research and practice. Aside from government subsidy, they have to raise 75% of their operating costs from within the farming and growing sectors – an obligation that ensures their research is geared towards the practical needs of industry.