Agriculture: Environment Protection
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what priorities she has set for research and development expenditure on projects to increase agricultural production and protect the environment; and if she will make a statement. [7258]
Mr Paice: Research and development is crucial to help the farming industry raise production in harmony with the environment and contribute to the global challenge of food security.
DEFRA’s agricultural research and development has over recent years focused on the development of sustainable farming systems, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, protecting against pests and diseases, and improving animal health and welfare.
The new Technology Strategy Board, DEFRA and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council innovation platform for sustainable agriculture and food will invest up to £90 million over the next five years in match-funding to industry for agricultural research.