NFU backs EU’s first chief scientist

The NFU has backed the appointment of an EU chief scientist to assist the European Commission on vital decisions relating to food security and climate change.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso pledged to create the high profile role two years ago and had received widespread criticism from the NFU and other farm industry bodies as the position remained vacant.

Today’s news that Professor Anne Glover, currently chief scientific advisor for Scotland, will be the EU’s first chief scientist has therefore been welcomed by the NFU’s acting chief scientific adviser Dr Andrea Graham.

’This is very positive step from the European Commission,’ said Dr Graham.

’The NFU prides itself on using science and evidence as the basis for our policy making so we look forward to seeing Professor Glover’s influence permeate European policy.

’We are faced with huge global challenges to increase productivity sustainably and solutions from the EU must be underpinned by sound science.

’The UK Government’s chief scientific advisor Professor Sir John Beddington has been an instrumental voice in putting food security back on the political agenda in the UK and we are delighted he will now have an equivalent in Europe.’

President Barroso said the chief scientist would have the power to deliver proactive and scientific advice to the Commission throughout all stages of policy development and delivery.