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Capita and Newcastle University have been chosen to create a joint venture with Defra to help run Fera, the Food and Environment Research Agency as part of Defra’s ambitious science programme. The joint venture will unlock £14.5m of new investment.
This is part of Defra’s ambitious science programme and recognition of the importance of cutting-edge research. The joint venture will expand the agency’s world-leading scientific capability and strengthen its role in food safety research. It will enable Fera to play an even greater role in helping to drive growth in our £100 billion agri-food industry.
The venture includes the creation of a joint academic institute with Newcastle University aimed at advancing the understanding and application of science to practical agri-food problems.
Defra will maintain a strategic share of 25% in Fera, allowing it to continue to benefit from the agency’s scientific excellence, which plays a vital role in ensuring national plant health.
The partnership with Newcastle University will further enhance Fera’s leading edge science. Fera will benefit from access to the University’s experimental farms for agriculture, horticulture and crop protection, as well as their research expertise in food quality, agri-tech and food safety.
A strong link between Fera and academia will see cutting-edge scientific research turned into practical commercial solutions, and will support the creation of a centre of excellence for UK agri-food research.
It is intended that Capita will take over the operation of Fera from 1st April.
Wednesday February 11, 2015/ DEFRA/ United Kingdom.
https://www.gov.uk/
