This session moves the discussion about collaborative research beyond its well-rehearsed and widely accepted benefits to focus on the changes needed to UK research funding culture to enable optimal and equal status farmer-scientist collaboration that starts from the first discussion of research need and design. Building on a collaborative project between Rothamsted and PFL, this session brings together a panel of experienced researchers for a warts-and-all discussion of their experiences of research collaboration, what’s working and what are the priorities for change to the current system for funding research.