In April 2000, the RAAL R&D Program commissioned a Scoping Study to identify and scope the possible contribution of breeding, selection and biotechnology to develop new varieties of crop and pasture plants to help reduce deep drainage of water and nitrogen. The Scoping Study aimed to use current understanding and experience in breeding, selection and biotechnology to explore how a range of functions and characteristics could be incorporated into crop and pasture species so as to control deep drainage and nutrient leakage. Scientists involved in plant improvement were invited to develop a brief paper scoping the various opportunities in terms of cereals, oilseeds, grain legumes, pasture and fodder plants, other new crops and pasture species.