Food forum ask MPs to speed up food technology
A recent Norfolk Food Forum event - organised by professional services firm PwC and hosted by agricultural purchasing group Anglia Farmers - enthused local MPs to expedite the link between Norfolk’s considerable bio-technology resource and the practical world of farming and food production.
Chaired by PwC’s Chris Maw, Norwich office senior partner and Stephen Oldfield, PwC’s national agrifoods leader; attendees included Clarke Willis, CEO, Anglia Farmers; Noel Bartram, MD, Bernard Matthews; John Allton Jones, CEO, Smithfeld Foods; John Turner, Professor of Plant Science, UEA; Professor Dale Sanders, director of the John Innes Centre; Tim Place, CEO, Place UK; Clive Bound, Vice-Principal, Easton College; Richard Bacon MP (South Norfolk), Simon Wright MP (Norwich South), George Freeman MP (Mid Norfolk), Elizabeth Truss MP (South West Norfolk) and Keith Simpson MP (Broadland).
George Freeman’s recent appointment as the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science in Technology in Agriculture made his participation particularly significant.
The All-Party Group, which involves members from both Houses of Parliament, aims to promote debate among UK politicians and other stakeholders on the role of science and technology in meeting the challenges facing 21st century agriculture.
Adding credence to the county’s ability to make significant contributions to this political challenge, Professor Turner pointed out the exceptional research cluster around Norwich – namely the UEA.
The Sainsbury Laboratory, the Institute of Food Research, the John Innes Centre and the health alliance with the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, which together form the Norwich Research Park. He spoke about the debate over GM foods and the need to educate the public on their benefits.
At a more local level, Ian Alston’s presentation on the proposed Norfolk Food Hub on his farm at Honingham Thorpe was enthusiastically received. With its proximity to the science cluster, there is a clear vision for an agricultural centre of excellence in Norfolk.
Clive Bound gave his case for putting ’food studies’ on the national curriculum.
Clarke Willis and Michael Mack from the Rural Enterprise Hub at Easton College highlighted access to Rural Development Programme Funding and Noel Bartram covered the balance of intervention versus market forces.
"The event clearly demonstrated what we have on offer in Norfolk," said Chris Maw of PwC.
""The food sector is of huge importance to the local economy and there is a real opportunity for those in industry to work collaboratively with the members of the Norwich Research Park to further advance future growth opportunities."
