Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The appointment of a new Waitrose Chair at Aberystwyth University will give the supermarket, and associated companies, world-class support with research into improving the sustainability of the UK’s food production systems. The senior appointment reflects Waitrose’s commitment to finding long-term solutions to food security and other issues affecting agriculture in the UK. The role will facilitate innovative approaches, with scientists, farmers, food industry and policy-makers working in partnership to improve the efficiency, sustainability and resilience of the UK food supply chain. The supermarket is funding the Waitrose Chair of Food and Farming at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). Professor Nigel Scollan has been confirmed in the role with immediate effect. The UK agricultural industry is undergoing a period of substantial change as it addresses how to feed a growing population and decrease its carbon footprint....

Research into global food security problems has been given a boost thanks to a new partnership between Waitrose and Aberystwyth University. In the first move of its kind in the UK, the supermarket is funding the Waitrose Chair of Sustainable Agriculture at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). Professor Gareth Edwards-Jones (pictured above) has been confirmed in the role and will take up the post in September 2010. The appointment is part of an innovative joint arrangement with Bangor University in which Professor Edwards-Jones will combine his work as Waitrose Chair of Sustainable Agriculture, with his position as Professor of Agriculture & Land-Use Studies in Bangor. The senior appointment reflects Waitrose’s commitment to finding long-term solutions to food security and other issues affecting agriculture in the UK. Professor Edwards-Jones comments: “A key area will be looking at how farmers need to adapt and change to meet co...