The research will help develop executive policy

The five-year funding package will focus on executive priorities including climate change, rural Scotland and dietary impacts on human health.

Research will also be carried out on crops, livestock and land-use.

The programme is expected to involve more collaborative working particularly with the university sector.

During a visit to the Scottish Agricultural College in Midlothian, Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said the research strategy would ensure executive work was based on strong scientific evidence.

She said: "Scotland makes a major contribution to international research into biological, agricultural and environmental advances and it is essential that this is reflected in the policies we deliver to improve the wellbeing of everyone in Scotland."

The research programmes which are to benefit from the funding were outlined in an executive research strategy published in January 2005.