The NFU has praised the appointment of an EU chief scientist to assist the European Commission on vital decisions relating to food security and climate change.
Prof Anne Glover, currently chief scientific advisor for Scotland, will be the first holder of the position.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso pledged to create the high profile role two years ago and had received criticism from the NFU and other farm industry bodies as the position remained vacant.
"This is very positive step from the European Commission,” said Dr Andrea Graham, the NFU’s acting chief scientific advisor.
“The NFU prides itself on using science and evidence as the basis for our policy making so we look forward to seeing Prof Glover’s influence permeate European policy.
“We are faced with huge global challenges to increase productivity sustainably and solutions from the EU must be underpinned by sound science.
“The UK government’s chief scientific advisor Prof Sir John Beddington has been an instrumental voice in putting food security back on the political agenda in the UK and we are delighted he will now have an equivalent in Europe.”
President Barroso said Prof Glover would have the power to deliver proactive advice to the Commission throughout all stages of policy development and delivery.
No comments have been made.