100 Years of Science Solutions

2014 marks the centenary of the formation of the first organisations that have evolved into what is known today as The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera).

In 1914, the growing problem of new pests and diseases brought into Britain following international expeditions, led to the setting up of the Institute for Plant Pathology at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In the same year The Ministry of Food established the Food Science Laboratory in Norwich. Its role was to check the quality of food entering storage and monitor the condition of stored food, a vital element in protecting the nation's food supply given the outbreak of World War One.

And that's where it all started.

Today, the drivers for Fera's work and scientific developments are remarkably similar to those that existed in 1914. In the 21st Century, the continued globalisation of markets and access to world travel, have led to a huge increase in the import and export of plant material, some for onward sale, some just brought back by individuals returning from holidays.

The food chain is under the combined strains of an ever increasing world population, changing patterns of food consumption as places like China become more open to western cultural influences, and shifts in climatic patterns.

Key stages in the development of Fera are shown on a timeline available on the website.

365 Fera Facts

To commemorate Fera's role in providing one hundred years of science solutions, we are 'tweeting' a fact a day throughout 2014 to give our customers, stakeholders and the general public (who rarely come into contact with us but whose daily lives are touched by some aspect of the work we do) an insight into who we are and what we do. Hopefully you'll find these facts interesting and engaging, some might even be useful one day in your local pub quiz!

For more info on our 100-year Centenary please visit:http://j.mp/1hcXnnI