Herbert calls for new focus on agricultural R&D
20 January 2010
Speaking at the Wilton Park conference on food security on Wednesday 20 January, Nick Herbert, Shadow Environment Secretary, will say that the next Government must have a stronger focus on agricultural research and development to meet the challenges of increasing production sustainably.
Mr Herbert will say:
“When R&D is so fundamental to the immense challenge of increasing food production while conserving our natural resources, it is critical that we get the most from our world-class science base.
“This requires the Government to do everything it can to help our universities, institutes and scientists maximise their contribution to strengthening food security, both here and across the world, by equipping farmers with the tools necessary to produce more and impact less.
“Smart solutions must be found to more effectively translate research into practical use at farm level so that yields and quality in all sectors improve and resources are used more efficiently.
"But in an era where government must do more from less, with immense pressure on the public finances, we also need to ensure the most effective use of existing resources as well as looking at potential new revenue streams for research.”