UK agri-tech strategy must be effective on-farm if it is to succeed

The government’s agri-tech strategy needs sustained action and investment to ensure science and technology can be used to drive up productivity, NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said today.

Speaking at Cereal’s 2013 arable conference, ‘Will EU red-tape strangle the UK agri-science strategy at birth?’, Raymond argued that the UK must present a showcase for both agricultural technology and innovative, profitable farm businesses or risk missing out on the inward investment the Strategy aims to encourage.

“More of the same is not good enough ,” Raymond said.

“There’s been plenty of basic science funded but it needs turning into practice on the ground. Otherwise how can it help move British farming forward? Filling the gaps in applied research and translational activities, including on-farm demonstrations, is critical.

“Unfortunately, Europe is a long way from being a showcase of innovative and evidence-based regulation. Obstructive politics and poor regulation on issues like pesticides and GM will prevent farmers from fulfilling their potential to optimise production. Ignoring the science in these areas directly affects our ability to compete globally. Clearly, this is no way to produce an agri-tech showcase in the UK.”