IFR: Impact of Agri-Tech Strategy

The Institute of Food Research (IFR) has welcomed the UK Agri-Tech strategy announced in July by the Government. The £160m new investment represents a positive step to making the UK a world-leader in emphasising the pivotal role of science and technology to deliver sufficient nutritious food for all in the future, according to the Institute. Working closely with industry and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), on a wide range of innovative translational research projects,  IFR runs the UK’s National Technology Platform for Food - a significant vehicle for bringing science and industry together for the benefit of the UK economy and society as a whole.

The strategy includes £70million to establish an Agri-Tech Catalyst; operated in partnership between the TSB and the BBSRC, its aims are to help translate fundamental scientific research into the marketplace by helping to reduce the risk of early stage innovation.

The Government’s Agri-Tech strategy was also said to align well with the EU’s proposed decision to fund a Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC) in food, developing products from the technology base to stimulate a new generation of entrepreneurs in this sector.  The UK element of this bid is led by the IFR.

“The Agri-Tech Catalyst is an important step to strengthen public/private partnership funding in this sector, to develop its commercial competitiveness,” commented Professor David Boxer, Director of the IFR. “The involvement of both the TSB and BBSRC is welcomed since it is crucial that this fund articulates well with the science base.”

The agri-tech sector is large, employing 3.8 million people and worth almost £100billion to the UK’s economy.  It is also very diverse, including globally-recognised brands alongside SMEs. Maintaining the sector’s strengths will rely on innovation and adopting new technology, driven by the scientific findings coming from the UK’s science.

The agri-tech strategy will be overseen by a Leadership Council, made up from representatives of all partners across the food chain.