Norwich Research Park welcomed members of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee as part of their wide-ranging inquiry into the Future of Farming. 

Six delegates, including committee chair Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP, experienced first-hand the research and innovation taking place across the park. 

During a tour of labs and glasshouses, the visitors spoke to wheat transformation lead Dr Sadiye Hayta and research assistant Mark Smedley to hear how their work is supporting the BBSRC-funded Delivering Sustainable Wheat (DSW) programme and the Defra-funded Wheat Genetic Improvement Network. 

The tour also showcased the work of some of the companies based on Norwich Research Park. Committee members visited glasshouses to find out more about the work of Tropic, Alora and BioPotatoes, who are using precision breeding technologies to develop crops that are more sustainable or productive.  

A networking lunch focused on precision breeding projects from across the Norwich Research Park and showcased the work of early career researchers. 

Delegates also heard about the next generation infrastructure programme, the construction of a world leading hub already taking shape on site as part of The Sainsbury Laboratory and John Innes Centre’s long-term vision: Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP3).  

In the afternoon the Committee hosted a roundtable discussion about farming innovation with a focus on precision breeding technologies bringing together a range of participants from academia, industry and regulatory bodies to ensure a broad and informed discussion. 

“We were delighted to host the committee and provide an insight into the innovative research that is central to a future of productive and sustainable farming,” said Dr Felicity Perry, Head of Communications and Engagement at the John Innes Centre. 

EFRA Committee members in attendance were: The Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat, Orkney and Shetland), Sarah Bool MP (Conservative, South Northamptonshire), Jayne Kirkham MP (Labour, Truro and Falmouth), Josh Newbury MP (Labour, Cannock Chase), Andrew Pakes MP (Labour, Peterborough), Charlie Dewhirst MP (Conservative, Bridlington and the Wolds) 

The Future of Farming inquiry is a wide-ranging exploration of the UK agricultural sector as it experiences a period of significant change. Topics for scrutiny include food security, innovation and Agri-Tech and nature-friendly farming. 

 

Image Caption – Dr Sadiye Hayta and Mark Smedley explain the work of the wheat transformation team to EFRA committee members.