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Sustainable Farming and Food Science
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Farming and Food LINK Programmes Overview
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Farming and Food Science Programme Farming accounts for about 70% of the land area and water catchment, while at the same time providing much of the food we consume. It is not surprising, therefore, that farming is the major determinant of the rural landscape and ecosystem, and has a significant influence on sustainable consumption and production.
Science is used to provide evidence for policy making, solving problems, and identifying future issues. The current programme has been running since April 2006 and is based around Defra's strategic priorities. This is a significant programme of work, totalling some £34M this year.
Defra's sustainable farming and food science is delivered within five broad scientific areas:
Agriculture and Climate Change
Sustainable Water Management
Resource Efficient and Resilient Food Chain
Sustainable Farming Systems and Biodiversity
Plant Health
Agriculture and Climate Change
Agriculture is responsible for 7% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions and about 85% of ammonia emissions. However it can also help mitigate emissions by providing renewable energy and materials. This programme helps (a) deliver the UK's commitments to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other gaseous pollutants, and (b) adaptation to climate change.
The work is divided into six sub-programmes:
Emissions from agriculture to airMitigating nitrogen and carbon emissions to airClimate change impacts and adaptationsEnergy in agriculture and foodBioenergyRenewable materials
For all general queries on this programme please email the Sustainable Farming and Food Science Division Admin Team
Email: adminteam@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Sustainable Water Management
UK land management is affected by a range of EU and domestic legislation intended to improve the quality of water (in rivers, lakes, ground water, transitional and coastal waters). At the same time, there are growing pressures on water resources. This programme aims to ensure delivery on the UK's commitments under the Water Framework Directive with respect to agriculture, and to develop tools to enable these industries to optimize water use.
The work is divided into two sub-programmes:
Water Quality: minimising the adverse impacts of UK agriculture on water qualityWater Use: optimising water use by UK agriculture and food production industries
The Sustainable Water Management programme is managed by
Professor Sam Evans
Email: adminteam@defra.gsi.gov.uk
For all general queries on this programme please email the Sustainable Farming and Food Science Division Admin Team
Email: adminteam@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Resource Efficient and Resilient Food Chain
This research programme addresses the need for the food chain industries to provide foods of high quality and safety and to be resource efficient by minimising waste. As such, it helps reduce the global environmental impact of UK food production and consumption whilst not compromising on quality and safety. The programme covers the whole food chain, from primary production through to manufacturing and distribution.
The work is divided into three sub-programmes:
Efficient manufacturing and distributionWaste reduction in the food chain Quality foods for healthy eating
For all general queries on this programme please email the Sustainable Farming and Food Science Division Admin Team
Email: adminteam@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Sustainable Farming Systems and Biodiversity
This programme concerns whole farm, system-based approaches to farm production and land management. It focuses on reducing the negative environmental footprint of agriculture, as well as sustaining and enhancing the environment and biodiversity associated with farmland. At the same time, it aims to help the different farming sectors to become better able to manage their own risks.
The work is divided into two sub-programmes:
Integrated farming systemsOrganic farming
The Sustainable Farming Systems and Biodiversity programme is managed by
Dr David Cooper
Email david.cooper@defra.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 0207 238 1508
For all general queries on this programme please email the Sustainable Farming and Food Science Division Admin Team
Email: adminteam@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Plant Health Division
Plant Health Division is based at York. It has responsibility for plant health aspects of import / export arrangements applicable to plants, plant pests, produce and growing media in England and Wales (in conjunction with Welsh Assembly Government). Defra's Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate is responsible for import and export inspections, phytosanitary certification, and the EU plant passport regime. Since April 2006, PHD has had responsibility also for Bee Health. PHD manages the science programme for Plant Health and Bee Health, which mainly involves the provision of diagnostic and science consultancy services from Defra's agency, the Central Science Laboratory.
For further information on the R&D Programme contact Dr Alan Inman
Email: alan.inman@defra.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 01904 455066
Farming and Food Science LINK Programmes
Defra also manages several Farming and Food Science LINK Programmes. LINK is a Government scheme that stimulates innovation by encouraging collaborative research between industry and the public sector.Under LINK, Defra provides grants to consortia of the private sector and the research base to conduct research for industrial or private sector purposes aligned to Defra objectives. Research projects funded through LINK form an integral of the sustainable farming and food science R&D portfolio.There are currently six Farming and Food Science LINK programmes. For further information contact: adminteam@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Previous Research Programmes
The Farming and Food Science research programmes were re-focused in April 2006. Some projects that started prior to April 2006 under the previous programmes are ongoing. Details on the previous programmes can be found on the following pages.These programmes were related to a total of eight policy areas, details of which can be found at:
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