The Food and Environment Research Agency today announced the launch of a new UK centre for crop research and translation as part of a larger initiative being undertaken with a major university and other partners. The centre will be based at the Sand Huton centre in York.

Founded on the principles of integrated management, FERA said the new centre will concentrate on sustainable means of pest management, disease and weed control, in order to preserve production whilst protecting biodiversity.

Dean Cook, head of science at FERA said on Wednesday, "The centre will bring together FERA's world class translational science, drawing on and complementing science and research in the University sector and RCUK institutes.

"It will provide a further focus to the ongoing development of the Sand Hutton Applied Innovation Campus, home to a growing cluster of companies and organisations in the agri-food sector. [The centre] offers the potential of 1,600 highly skilled jobs on site, and recognition as a national hub with international reach," he added.

Cook said that the research will "provide unparalleled focus and integration" in areas right along the supply chain and see collaborations with industry, research institutes and government. These foci will been on reducing crop losses, curtailing waste and developing new products; the research and development will be pursued with a view to spurring "national economic growth."