HC Deb 23 April 2001 vol 367 c53W
Mr. Yeo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the potential of genomics in agricultural research. [153234]

Mr. Nick Brown

Genomics is expected to make a significant contribution to UK agriculture. Genome maps for many agriculturally important plants, animals and micro-organisms have been produced in the last few years. Research on genome maps for plants, livestock and micro-organisms should enable scientists to identify those organisms with desirable traits. This information would be beneficial in speeding up breeding programmes.