Former Defra minister Sir Jim Paice MP has been appointed to the NIAB Board.
 
NIAB Board Chairman Jeremy Lewis said:
 
"NIAB is delighted to welcome Sir Jim as a member of the Board. His knowledge and experience of the food and farming sectors, and his longstanding commitment to the cause of agricultural science, will undoubtedly help to strengthen NIAB's continuing development as the UK's leading centre for applied crop research and knowledge transfer.   
 
NIAB chief executive Dr Tina Barsby added:

"There is a renewed recognition within Government of the need to forge stronger links between the science base and industry, to accelerate the translation of research into practical applications, and to improve access to advice for the farming community on best practice and new technologies. The challenges of food security and sustainable development have highlighted the critical need to revitalise the link between our research base and practical agriculture, and Sir Jim fully understands the strategic role NIAB has to play in that process."
 

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Jim Paice said:
 
"I have always enjoyed a longstanding and positive association with NIAB having trained here as a crop inspector many years ago.  
 
"I am hugely impressed at the strategic changes NIAB has implemented to strengthen its capabilities in crop genetic research, applied agronomy and knowledge transfer.
 
"Unlocking the potential of agricultural science will depend critically on our ability to translate the outputs of research into improved products, practices and knowledge. NIAB is uniquely placed to respond and I am very pleased to be joining the NIAB Board at such an exciting time for the agri-science sector."