George Freeman Takes Helm of Agri-Tech Parliamentary Group

George Freeman, the former science minister, has been named the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture (APPGSTA).

The Conservative MP for Mid Norfolk was appointed on 11 November at a Westminster meeting, where key stakeholders from the agri-food industry outlined their vision for advancing agricultural research and innovation to address pressing challenges such as food security, climate change, and environmental conservation.

Charlie Dewhirst, who was recently elected as the MP for Bridlington & The Wolds and formerly served as a policy adviser at the National Pig Association, has also joined the group as a vice-chair. Lord Grantchester, a dairy farmer and former shadow minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra), along with veterinarian Professor Lord Trees, will continue as vice-chairs.

Freeman expressed enthusiasm for his return to the role, noting his previous term as chair from 2010 to 2014, during which he was also the UK's first minister for life sciences. “I was delighted to accept the invitation to return as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture, a position I held as a newly elected MP in 2010 until being appointed first UK minister for life science in 2014 to lead the UK Life Science Industrial Strategy,” Freeman remarked.

“This APPG is one of the more active and influential All-Party Groups in Parliament, bringing together cross-party MPs and peers with support from industry and research experts across the sector. APPGSTA was crucial in helping me launch the original Agri-Tech Strategy a decade ago, and more recently, the group led the charge for enabling science-based regulations on gene editing in agriculture, culminating in the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.”

Freeman emphasised the importance of agricultural innovation in addressing global challenges. “I am passionate about innovation in agriculture because a thriving agri-tech sector is vital to both UK and global food security, climate mitigation, and achieving net zero. It should be a key sector for economic growth and investment, offering solutions to numerous global challenges.”

Freeman highlighted that one of the group's key goals will be to engage the new intake of Parliamentarians, demonstrating how agri-tech innovation can be directly relevant to the concerns of their constituents. This includes food security, affordability for future generations, addressing climate change, protecting water resources, enhancing public health, and conserving natural habitats.

Freeman also announced plans for a Parliamentary showcase of agri-tech innovation set to take place early next year. This event aims to spotlight UK advancements in areas such as digital agriculture, robotics, advanced breeding techniques for crops and livestock, vertical farming, artificial intelligence, and automation, showing how these technologies could significantly enhance the productivity, quality, and sustainability of British farming.

“As a group, we are committed to supporting and unlocking the tremendous potential of UK-based agricultural science and technology to benefit society,” Freeman said. “One of the group’s honorary patrons, Lord Cameron of Dillington, summed it up perfectly during our recent meeting. Whether it’s about food security, climate change, healthier diets, or restoring nature, agricultural innovation is part of the solution, not part of the problem.”