A recent Norfolk Food Forum event - organised by professional services firm PwC and hosted by agricultural purchasing group Anglia Farmers urged local MPs to expedite the link between Norfolk’s considerable biotechnology resource and the practical world of farming and food production.

Leading lights from the food industry included local MP George Freeman, whose recent appointment as new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science in Technology in Agriculture made his participation particularly significant.

The All-Party Group, which involves members from both Houses of Parliament, aims to promote debate among UK politicians and other stakeholders on the role of science and technology in meeting the challenges facing 21st century agriculture.

Adding credence to the county’s ability to make significant contributions to this political challenge, Professor John Turner of UEA pointed out the exceptional research cluster around Norwich – namely the UEA.

The cluster includes The Sainsbury Laboratory, the Institute of Food Research, the John Innes Centre and the health alliance with the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, which together form the Norwich Research Park. Prof. Turner spoke about the debate over GM foods and the need to educate the public on their benefits.
 
At a more local level, Ian Alston’s presentation on the proposed Norfolk Food Hub on his farm at Honingham Thorpe was enthusiastically received. With its proximity to the science cluster, there is a clear vision for an agricultural centre of excellence in Norfolk.
 
Clive Bound, vice-principal of Easton College, made a case for putting ‘food studies’ on the national curriculum. Clarke Willis and Michael Mack from the Rural Enterprise Hub at Easton College highlighted access to Rural Development Programme Funding and Noel Bartram – managing director of Bernard Matthews – covered the balance of intervention versus market forces. 
 
“The event clearly demonstrated what we have on offer in Norfolk,” said Chris Maw of PwC. “The food sector is of huge importance to the local economy and there is a real opportunity for those in industry to work collaboratively with the members of the Norwich Research Park to further advance future growth opportunities.”

• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: (left to right) Professor Dale Saunders, director - John Innes Centre; George Bell, chairman - Anglia Farmers; Elizabeth Truss MP; Michael Mack, director - Rural Enterprise Hub; Stephen Oldfield, national agrifoods leader - PwC; Tim Place, managing director - Place UK; David Newstead - PwC; Professor John Turner -UEA; Clive Bound, vice principal - Easton College; Professor Tim Brocklehurst - Institute of Food Science; George Freeman MP; Ian Alston - Honingham Thorpe Farms; Noel Bartram, managing director - Bernard Matthews; Simon Wright MP; Keith Simpson MP; Chris Maw - PwC; John Allton Jones, CEO - Smithfield Foods; Kit Papworth, deputy chairman - Anglia Farmers and Clarke Willis, CEO - Anglia Farmers.