Multi-million pound funding to boost UK’s crop resilience

Universities and research centres working on improving the resilience, sustainability and quality of crops are set for a multi-million pound funding boost.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today (June 15) announced a new funding package, worth around £5.3m over five years, for four leading agricultural research sites.

It is hoped the seven-figure investment will drive the development of new technologies and environmentally friendly production for those growing pulses, wheat, leafy vegetables and rapeseed.

Michael Gove MP said: “Developing new technology is crucial to making sure our farmers can continue to grow world-class produce in an environmentally friendly way.

“Through this new fund, I hope to see the creation of new and innovative growing practices and crop protections so we can truly unlock the potential of our food and farming industries.”

The four recipients of the funding are the John Innes Centre in Norwich, Rothamsted Research near Luton, the University of Warwick and the University of York.

Prof. Ian Bancroft, head of the agricultural research centre at the University of York, said: “We aim to support industry in long-term, sustainable rapeseed production by utilising UK expertise in plant genetics to better understand specific crop traits.

“Innovation through these networks is essential if we are to see growth in healthy crop production.”

He added: “The Government has so far invested £160m through the Agri-Tech Strategy to harness the latest agricultural research and technologies.”

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