SEFARI is in a unique position to help individual businesses and other partners access publicly funded research to drive innovation and sustainable economic growth in Scotland. Our research on innovation stretches across the food and drink supply chain. We are working in partnership with Scotland Food and Drink, and are delighted their CEO James Withers has agreed to share his perspective.

Innovation is one of the three key drivers to achieving Ambition 2030, the industry-led strategy for the future growth of Scotland’s food and drink sector. Ambition 2030 sets a headline target of doubling the economic value of the sector by 2030, doing so responsibly, and recognising that skills and collaboration are vital.

SEFARI can make an immense contribution by helping individual businesses and other partners access publicly funded research to drive innovation and sustainable economic growth in Scotland. It is not just us saying that – listen to the views of the CEO of Scotland Food and Drink, James Withers.

Check out some of our work on innovation right across the food supply chain. Some examples include improving primary produce through targeted breeding strategies, and exploring wild species and novel crops that can be grown or produced in Scotland.

We are also working to enhance food and drink products by identifying sources of natural products to produce new and varied foods with improved shelf-life, and health benefits.