The centre brings together Defra’s Central Science Laboratory, Plant Health Division, Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and the Plant Variety Rights Office and Seeds Division.
Adrian Belton, chief executive of the new agency, said:
“The Food and Environment Research Agency puts Defra at the heart of the debate on food security and the science behind environmental issues. By combining policy development, scientific evidence and risk assessment Fera can play a full role in addressing challenges in the natural environment.”
The official launch will take place in the spring.