THE COMMERCIAL FARMERS GROUP

Frequently Asked Questions

What action is the CFG taking to bring about change in the organisation of agricultural R&D?

It has produced the following influential papers on agricultural R&D (available on the CFG web-site):

  • 'The need for a new vision for UK agricultural research and development' (produced in spring 2008)

  • Priorities for agricultural and horticultural R&D' (produced in summer 2009)
It has presented its views on the state of agricultural R&D to:

  • BBSRC Council

  • DEFRA workshop on agricultural R&D

  • All Party Parliamentary Group on Agricultural Science and Technology

  • Agri-Food Charities Partnership
It has held meetings with government and other officials including:

  • The Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Beddington

  • The DEFRA Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Bob Watson

  • The Shadow Secretary of State, Nick Herbert

  • The Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Agricultural Science and Technology Committee, David Kidney

  • The Director of Innovation for BBSRC, Dr Celia Caulcott
It has formally responded to consultations (available on the CFG web-site) from:

  • EFRA Committee on 'DEFRA Science' in March 2008

  • BBSRC on 'Research for Food Security' in July 2009