Press Release: Europe launches major joint research effort to ensure food security in the face of climate change and rising demand

Twelve top scientists met in Paris on 10 June 2010 to prepare a European–level work programme to coordinate nationally funded research aimed at securing a safe and sustainable food supply. This was the first meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board. This initiative involves twenty European countries overall and is jointly led by France, through its National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and the UK, through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). It brings together researchers, improves the effectiveness of national funding totalling over a billion euro annually, shares existing research results and coordinates future work to avoid duplication and maximise value for money. The European Commission helped to shape and prepare the JPI and on 28 April 2010 put it on a formal footing by adopting a Recommendation. The Commission will also contribute about €2 million.