Building on food research

A new body designed to ensure better coordination of and support for research and science in farming and food has been welcomed by the UK government.

The industry-led Applied Research Forum - composed of representatives from agriculture and horticulture, farming unions, and food safety agencies - is part of efforts by the UK government and industry 'to rebuild our farming and food industries through new and better ways of working and cooperating.'

Spear-headed by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a key aim of the forum is to develop better 'cross-industry working and joint initiatives to create greatercohesion in farming and food research'.

"It is those parts of industry and the food chain which can respondto trends in science and research and use available technology thatwill improve productivity, efficiency and environmental protection,and be more able to meet market demands, "​ said Food and Farming Minister Lord Whitty this week. Adding that the forum is part of a wider aim to improve the competitiveness and profitability of the UK's farming and food sectors.

According to the UK food marketing agency Food from Britain, food and drink exports from the UK have more than doubled over the last 10 years, with the UK currently at number six in the world food and drink exporters' league.

The total UK food and drink export market is worth approximately £9.2 billion (€13.3bn) and the primary export countries (in order of export value) are France, Ireland, the United States, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, followed by Belgium and Luxembourg, Italy, Japan and Portugal.

Food from Britain predicts that increasing demand on the UK food and drink sector, particularly for value-added convenience products, is expected in the next decade and new, developing markets for export include Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Brazil.

The first forum meeting will take place on 6 October.