The Presidents of the four UK farming unions today criticised the decision by the European Commission to scrap the post of Chief Scientific Advisor to the President.

Professor Anne Glover, who has been in post since 2011, confirmed yesterday she would be leaving the post at the end of January and that the position would then cease to exist.

Speaking on behalf of Nigel Miller, President NFU Scotland, Ian Marshall, President of the Ulster Farmers Union and Stephen James, President of NFU Cymru, the NFU President Meurig Raymond said:

“We warmly welcomed the appointment of Professor Glover as we firmly believe that strong and independent science should be at the centre of policymaking in the EU.

“It is deeply troubling that the new European Commission has taken this decision. This appears to be a backward step for science. At a time when we need to address serious concerns around food security, energy security and the collective EU response to the threat of climate change; it is deeply concerning that the voice of science should be stifled.

“We would like to put on public record our sincere thanks to Professor Glover for her work. Professor Glover has championed the importance of science and innovation to drive growth in the EU. We now urgently seek assurances from the Commission as to how the role that she and her office played will be continued.”