Retail Expert Tells AgriFood ATP "Science Is Our Best Hope" For Facing Global Pressures

25 Sep 2012 --- A senior technical expert at Waitrose told guests at the launch of the AgriFood Advanced Training Partnership (AgriFood ATP) at the University of Nottingham that ways must be found to speed up the transfer of knowledge from research centres into the commercial world.

 

Alan Wilson, Waitrose’s technical manager (agronomy), said pressures caused by population growth and uncertain climate patterns meant technical solutions to food supply problems were more important than ever.

 

“The impact of adverse weather on this year’s farming season in the UK was a good example” he said, adding: “We are worried about the future, the UK is not alone. Crops around the world are not performing well. The world is a scary place to trade in.”

 

He was speaking at the launch of the AgriFood ATP, a postgraduate training scheme that tackles scientific and technical challenges for all members of the agrifood sector. Training opportunities range from one-day workshops, field days and seminars through to short courses, Masters Degrees and Professional Doctorates.

 

Alan Wilson welcomed the creation of the AgriFood ATP, saying that it has the potential to significantly increase the scientific skills required in the retail sector and its supply chain.

 

Presentations were also given by:

 

• David McAllister, Head of Skills and Careers at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the body funding the AgriFood ATP who commented; “The BBSRC has set up the ATPs to encourage industry to take up training and to embed professional and research skills.”

 

• Martina Doyle-Turner, HR Manager and Amy Pearson, Agronomist at Frontier Agriculture; A number of our people have attended advanced skills training with Rothamsted, one of the AgriFood ATP partners giving Frontier an additional channel to connect with the research base that is vital for the development of the UK agrifood industry.”

 

• Bertrand Emond, Head of Membership and Training at Campden BRI; highlighted the range of training opportunities in the food and drink chain and commented “There is significant shortage of fit for purpose staff in the industry. Companies should realise that training is a no-brainer. With opportunities to develop, people are happier, more motivated, more efficient, innovative and more profitable.”

 

• Lee Osborne, Policy and Better Regulation Advisor at the NFU. The NFU and industry partners are working hard to ensure that the industry has easy access to the training and skills needed to meet future challenges. Farming has a need for 60,000 new entrants over the next decade and the AgriSkills Forum is working to offer high quality training and career development to attract young people into the industry.

 

• Debbie Sparkes, Operations Director of the AgriFood ATP, explained how the AgriFood ATP is focussed on providing training that is relevant to business, and accessible to industry participants in a flexible way.
 

All the experts agreed that there is a need for better training for a wide range of employees in the agrifood sector – helping to generate greater business effectiveness and efficiency.

 

The AgriFood ATP is jointly run by the University of Nottingham, Cranfield University, Harper Adams University College and Rothamsted Research.