The NFU has welcomed the announcement of the setting up of a Government-industry forum on non-foods uses of crops.

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The task force, consisting of representatives from Government, academics, farmers, and a range of industrial experts, has been formed to stimulate greater awareness, uptake and utilisation of non-food uses of crops.


One of the members on the forum is Dr David Carmichael, who although acting in an independent capacity, is a member of NFU’s Alternative Crop Uses Group, the Biotechnology Working Group and the NFU’s sugar beet committee.


NFU President Ben Gill said: “The NFU has pressed for such a forum for some time. Hopefully it will channel resources more effectively for Government action on non-food crops.


“Non-food crops have the potential to provide an important additional source of income for farmers.

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“The forum should help overcome current barriers such as a lack of co-ordination between growers and researchers as well as regulation within the industry.”


Crops such as hemp, flax and oilseeds can be used to produce industrial materials, oils and fibres.


Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this document, the NFU cannot accept liability for errors and omissions.  This information should not be regarded as constituting legal advice, and should therefore not be relied upon as such.  NFU©

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