When I first found out about the Save Our Science Campaign I became a very happy camper. I was happy not just that this magazine is taking the so necessary stand to get the Government to increase funding for R&D - but that it is forcing the larger agricultural community to participate in the process.
That means you. Now.
For all of you who have read my pieces on this blog and in the magazine, you'll know that I am regularly on your case to force the Government to give your industry what it wants and needs to succeed. Other countries do. The UK Government - no matter which Party is in power - needs to do the same.
And at the core of that support is the funding that R&D desperately needs and can only come from government financing. It is the only entity that has the combination of available funds and long-term, consistent strategic perspective about any industry to give the kind of economic backing that is necessary to ensure a safe future.
I am, as my friends in California regularly remind me, a "Silicon Valley Babe." That, in the meritocratic parlance of the locality, is the ultimate compliment. It is all about my orientation to research, development, vistas, possibilities and the limitless opportunities that exist which are realized by people who are passionate about finding out what else and what next. But it takes money. Big money. And, along with that money, it takes the directly given strategic importance that government funding of any large projects always provides.
It makes everyone not just have to but want to stand up and take notice of this new economic, strategic and security opportunity whose time has come.
From an economic perspective, the more the Government invests in science and research, the more taxable income will be generated by your industry, the quicker the deficit will be reduced and tax surpluses achieved.
From a strategic perspective, the more the Government invests in science and research, the more jobs that will be created in an industry that "builds" something for internal and export uses. Moreover, it will ensure an ongoing place in the R&D firmament for the UK as a go-to country for horticultural cutting edge, new thinking and opportunities...which lead to the increased income for the government. Excellent ROI by any measure.
And, finally, from a security perspective, the more the Government invests in science and research, the more assured that in this crazy world where inter-dependence among and between countries around the globe is a norm, that on such a fundamental issue, the country can support itself (and its allies). As well, all along the way, it will ensure that its populace is as healthy as it can be simply because of the quality and availability of the best horticultural product imaginable - which leads to people being able to perform those jobs that are created and not cost the government in other ways (like healthcare and benefit programs). And we're back to what now becomes an exponential ROI.
All because the government invests in its own future by investing in your industry's future.
That's just the economic argument. In a later post, I'll be addressing the entrepreneurial importance and opportunities that come from this campaign as well.
So, show your support. Put the pressure on. Join the discussion.
Save Our Science - and in so doing Ensure Your Future. Now.
