§ 60. Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the research and development priorities for his Department.
§ Mr. GummerThe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food funds research essentially for three reasons:(a) to guide the formulations, appraisal and evaluation of policy and to support statutory functions; (b) to protect the consumer and the environment; (c) to support strategic research which takes scientific opportunities to the point where it is appropriate for industry to fund further development prior to exploitation.
I see research in all three areas as essential in both the short and long term, although the emphasis may change. Current priorities include lower chemical inputs, improved pest control techniques and the relationship between public health and zoonoses.
In setting research priorities full account is taken of the independent advice of the Priorities Board for Research and Development in Agriculture and Food. Food safety and nutritional quality are areas recently recommended by the priorities board as needing a higher priority. Among the subjects which are likely to become more important are climate change, lower input sustainable farming systems and cleaner technologies.