Whitty welcomes new Farming and Food Research Forum

UK - A new body designed to ensure better coordination of and support for research and science in farming and food has been welcomed by government.
calendar icon 25 September 2003
clock icon 3 minute read
Whitty welcomes new Farming and Food Research Forum - UK - A new body designed to ensure better coordination of and support for research and science in farming and food has been welcomed by government.

The new industry-led Applied Research Forum, consisting of representatives from agriculture and horticulture levy bodies, English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland government and agencies, and farming unions was proposed in Defra's Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food.

The Forum is another important milestone in efforts by government and industry to rebuild our farming and food industries through new and better ways of working and cooperating.

Defra has also established an independent Sustainable Farming and Food Research Priorities Group to advise government on where to focus its strategic research effort.

The group will identify priorities for Defra to underpin its Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy, and develop better cross-industry working and joint initiatives to create greater cohesion in farming and food research. The group will meet for the first time on 6 October.

Food and Farming Minister Lord Whitty said:

"As government and industry work together to improve the competitiveness, profitability and social and environmental performance of our farming and food sectors, it is vital that we have more coordination on science and research.

"It is those parts of industry and the food chain which can respond to trends in science and research and use available technology that will improve productivity, efficiency and environmental protection, and be more able to meet market demands.

"The Applied Research Forum will play an important role in keeping government and industry up to the mark in terms of collaborating with each other and with scientific institutions to focus our efforts and funding where it will be of most value and effect."

Source: DEFRA - 23rd September 2003

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.