The fresh produce industry has slammed “deeply troubling” decision to scrap role of EU chief scientific advisor and called for assurance on the future of science in policymaking.
The news comes after it was recently confirmed that the role, held by Anne Glover since 2012, will not be renewed, despite EC president Jean-Claude Juncker giving assurances he would retain the role.
Lobbyists and politicians have now called for “a credible plan” for ensuring that scientific evidence will be taken seriously in the future.
NFU president, Meurig Raymond said: “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.”
The role was created by the previous president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, in response to repeated calls to strengthen scientific advice and evidence-based policy in Europe.
Conservative MEP and member of the European Parliament’s agriculture committee, Anthea McIntyre, said the decision to remove Glover’s role is a “sad turn of events” for UK farming, and for science in EU policymaking.
“I am especially dismayed as Mr. Junker gave a personal assurance to the ECR Group that he would retain the role of the chief scientific advisor,” she said.
“The commission’s decision to scrap the post of scientific chief advisor now brings into doubt the role that scientific evidence will play in EU policymaking in the future.
“I was looking not only for the role to be maintained but to be strengthened, so that we can embed a scientific-based approach in all aspects of European policymaking.”
McIntyre cited the restrictions of neonicotinoids as an example of where policy decisions have not been effectively science-led, and said that the future of science in EU policymaking is now “disturbingly unclear”.
“I would urge the commission, as a matter of urgency, to come forward with a credible plan for ensuring that scientific evidence will be taken seriously in the future. This really is a backward step,” she added.
Raymond added: '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.”
The role of chief scientific advisor has been under scrutiny after green groups published a letter to the incoming president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, urging him to scrap the role.
