Research into global food security problems has been given a boost thanks to a new partnership between Waitrose and Aberystwyth University.
The supermarket is funding the Waitrose chair of sustainable agriculture at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). Professor Gareth Edwards-Jones has been confirmed in the role and will take up the post in September 2010.
The appointment is part of an innovative joint arrangement with Bangor University in which Professor Edwards-Jones will combine his work as Waitrose chair of sustainable agriculture, with his position as professor of agriculture and land use studies in Bangor.
The senior appointment reflects Waitrose’s commitment to finding long-term solutions to food security and other issues affecting agriculture in the UK.
Edwards-Jones said: “A key area will be looking at how farmers need to adapt and change to meet consumer demand. We want to bridge the knowledge gap between farmers and retailers by seeing how they can most effectively work together. The benefit for consumers will be increased levels of food security and production efficiencies.
“This will include looking at how the supply chain currently works - for instance how food can remain at its peak, ensuring it has the optimum nutrition content and is at its freshest,” continues Professor Edwards-Jones.
Research into sustainability will also be an important part of the role. Edwards-Jones will be looking at how this impacts on the environment but also in terms of a healthy rural community.
“The new role will spearhead vital research exploring how UK agriculture can be a solution to these pressing issues. Professor Edwards-Jones is able to combine his knowledge of farming with science to help find some of the answers the industry needs,” added Heather Jenkins, Waitrose director of agricultural strategy.
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