NFU responds to axing of chief scientific adviser

Anne Glover, former EU Chief Scientific Adviser_27

The role was created in response to repeated calls to strengthen scientific advice and evidence-based policy in Europe.

In response to the news 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.

“We warmly welcomed the appointment of Professor Anne Glover in 2012 as we firmly believe that strong and independent science should be at the centre of policymaking in the EU.

"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.”