Parliamentary group seeks views on new agri-tech strategy
© AdobeStock The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science & Technology in Agriculture has launched a two-month call for evidence to support its 30:50:50 Innovation Agenda.
It aims to increase domestic food production by 30% by 2050, while reducing UK agriculture’s environmental footprint by 50% in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use and soil health.
The aim is to help farmers “produce more from less”, by harnessing the latest advances in agricultural science and innovation.
See also: Farming policies ‘must support increase in food production’
“With our good soils, temperate climate, professional farming sector and world-class agri-science base, Britain is well-placed to produce more food, more sustainably, and reduce our dependence on food imports,” said group co-ordinator Daniel Peardall.
“In doing so, we will also be better placed to contribute to the global food security challenge by developing and exporting technological solutions, and fostering international collaboration.”
However, Mr Pearsall fears government policies could be having the reverse effect, incentivising farmers to take land out of production, and rewarding lower-yielding practices on highly productive farmland.
Over regulated
“Our over-precautionary and under-resourced regulatory processes are stifling access to farming innovations which are readily available to producers elsewhere,” he said.
“And while our agricultural scientists remain global leaders in academic terms, their research is no longer translating into domestic productivity growth at the practical farm level.”
The APPG on Science & Technology in Agriculture believes a new approach is needed, with clear, long-term objectives for agriculture, and measurable targets for sustainable, efficient production.
It is therefore planning to produce an in-depth report, which will be presented to ministers at a major summit in the autumn, including recommendations for government action.
As part of that process, the group is now seeking examples from anyone in the agricultural sector who is already delivering against its 30:50:50 agenda.
It also wants stakeholder views on whether existing government policy is helping or hindering the delivery of these objectives.
Written responses can be sent directly to daniel.pearsall@frontfoot.uk.com.
What does the APPG want to find out?
The APPG is requesting feedback on three specific areas:
- Targets for a Sustainable Efficient Production index. (What should be the parameter? Is the target for a 30% increase in production realistic? Should it be on a sector by sector basis?)
- Farm-level data and metrics. (What data? How best to collect it? How to integrate with existing data initiatives?)
- Policy environment. (Is the current policy fit for purpose? What needs to change? Are other countries doing better?)