MPs launch inquiry into innovation to improve agricultural practices and food security

The House of Commons’ Science, Innovation and Technology Committee wants to hear from agritech businesses about how innovation can improve agricultural practices and to understand the UK’s role in contributing to global food security. The Committee’s Call for Evidence focuses on five themes:

• How scientific and technological innovation can be combined with low technology practices to support global food security.
• The effects of these innovations on the global agricultural system.
• How the UK can contribute to advancing innovation and promoting global food security through policy, partnerships and trade.
• The barriers to implementing and adopting agricultural innovations.
• The shape of a future agricultural system than can achieve global food security.

The Call for Evidence will close for written submissions on 7 September. The Committee will then review the written evidence sent in and carry out a series of oral evidence sessions to hear from business leaders, academics and sector stakeholders. The final outcome will be a sizeable report setting out the inquiry’s key findings, conclusions and recommendations for government. Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are required to respond within a two-month period setting out the government’s view and what actions it will take forward.

This is a critical opportunity for agritech businesses to influence policy development in Westminster, ascertain answers to key questions that require a government response and help shape a more resilient, innovative and sustainable agricultural system.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity to submit written evidence to the inquiry, including how GK Strategy can support you with government relations and communication, please contact James Allan.

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