Member Article

Food security top priority for Government

Food production and agriculture in the UK will benefit from a Government strategy to boost economic growth. Businesses will be supported by a new “agri-tech” programme that aims to safeguard global food security. Climate change and a fast-growing world population have made food security a pressing issue, and the strategy will address the changes Britain should make. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, set out the initiative to improve agricultural efficiency without harming the environment in his Industrial Strategy in September.

This announcement comes after the National Farmer’s Union issued a warning on Wednesday about poor wheat harvests and low yields of fresh produce, which could push up supermarket food prices. The agri-tech strategy will aim to expand the UK’s export capacity and increase inward investment in the business sector. Farmers will receive advice on technology and best practice to create a “well networked, highly skilled and technology aware agriculture sector”, in a bid to ensure Britain’s ability to meet demand. Development on an international scale is also a priority for the Government, as water shortages and lack of land becomes increasingly problematic.

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts commented on the scheme: “The UK is home to a world-leading plant, animal and environmental research base, underpinned by excellent universities and institutes. This makes it incredibly well placed to be at the forefront of finding innovative solutions to food security, in the face of a rapidly growing global population.”

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will publish the strategy early in 2013, after it gathers evidence and interest from farmers, businesses, and researchers in the agricultural sector. The public and non-governmental organisations will be able to contribute to the Mr Willetts added: “This strategy will look at how we can improve the commercialisation of basic science into new technology and techniques. This would not only enable countries worldwide to tackle the challenges ahead, but would also contribute significantly to economic growth.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .