Food security, innovation and research forum

Guest of Honour: Professor Robert Watson, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

This seminar will examine some of the central emerging issues in food security, technology and innovation - and consider how developments in food production can help meet the challenge of food security whilst ensuring environmental sustainability.

Bringing together key policy makers with industry stakeholders and other interested parties, the meeting will be an early opportunity to assess the launch of the UK Cross-Government Strategy for Food Research and Innovation, and Defra’s Food 2030 strategy.

Sessions will examine;

• Changing global food demand, climate change and the implications for future food security
• The role of technology and innovation in sustainable food production
• Research approaches to addressing food security
• The current status of investment in agricultural science, and the importance of research funding for the future of the food and farming sector
• Translating research findings into practice
• The importance of ensuring consumer safety and engaging the public on issues of food security and science.

Speakers

• Professor Robert Watson, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Steve Visscher, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Dr Mike Bushell, Principal Scientific Advisor, Syngenta
• Dominic Dyer, Chief Executive, Crop Protection Association
• Dr Helen Ferrier, Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, National Farmers’ Union
• John Ingram, Executive Officer, Global Environmental Change and Food Systems (GECAFS), Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment
• Mette Kahlin, Food, Environment and Energy Efficiency Public Affairs Consultant, Which?
• Professor David Leaver, Chairman, Practice with Science Group, Royal Agricultural Society of England
• Dr Julian Little, Chair, Agricultural Biotechnology Council (abc)
• Dr Tom MacMillan, Executive Director, Food Ethics Council
• Dr Richard Summers, European Cereal Breeding Lead, RAGT Seeds
• Dr Isobel Tomlinson, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Soil Association
• Professor Jack Winkler, Director, Nutrition Policy Unit, London Metropolitan University