Agri-Tech East is joining AHDB and NFU in providing expert input to the next meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture, the meeting is focussing on the policy priorities for UK agri-science and innovation.

The APPG on Science and Technology in Agriculture provides an important forum for debate among UK politicians and stakeholders and seeks to identify any policy, knowledge-based or regulatory barriers to its development and application.

A number of recent industry reports have sparked calls for a revolution in UK farm productivity and efficiency, and a new vision to ensure the effective delivery and uptake of on-farm innovation.

The expert speakers include:

Tom Hind, Chief Strategy Officer at AHDB – the Horizon report Driving productivity growth together sets out a five-point plan to drive growth in UK agricultural productivity.

Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-Tech East – its report From grass roots to blue skies: A vision for agri-tech suggests that the current production model for UK agriculture is not sustainable economically or environmentally, and sets out a new vision for the agri-tech sector.

Dr Helen Ferrier, Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Adviser at NFU – to provide a farming industry perspective and report on the outcomes from workshop organised jointly with Rothamsted to explore R&D priorities for UK agriculture.

Professor David Leaver – whose original report for the APPG on R&D priorities in UK agriculture was instrumental in helping to make the case for the Agri-Tech Strategy. Professor Leaver is to offer some personal reflections on the progress made in addressing the key recommendations in his 2010 report.

Belinda comments: “It is privilege to be given the opportunity to address the APPG and a great opportunity to put forward our vision for the agri-tech sector. Science and innovation has a critical role in the future of the agri-food sector and I am looking forward to meeting the group and hearing their input and questions.”