Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Sunak to launch new science initiative to work on climate-resilient crops

Sunak to launch new science initiative to work on climate-resilient crops
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Getty Images

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce a new science initiative to bring together work on developing climate-resilient crops as his government hosts a Global Food Security Summit in London today (20).

The summit, a joint initiative between Britain, Somalia, the UAE, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is due to be attended by representatives from more than 20 countries.


"We must take action to address the underlying, and often unseen, causes of global food insecurity," Sunak said.

"From the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine, to the effect of major natural disasters on food production ... alongside our partners, the UK is playing a leading role in finding solutions to some of the greatest global challenges of our time."

Britain said the new virtual science hub would be led CGIAR, a global research partnership which unites international organisations working on food security, and would link UK scientists with research initiatives to develop crops that can withstand the impacts of climate change and are more disease resistant.

The British government will also publish details of a new international development policy document, or White Paper, on food insecurity setting out plans to work in partnership with countries to tackle extreme poverty and climate change rather than just providing aid money.

Priorities will include mobilising international finance and harnessing innovation, Britain's Foreign Office said.

Britain also said it was providing up to 100 million pounds ($125 million) in humanitarian funding to countries worst hit by food insecurity including Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Afghanistan, and to countries impacted by climate-related cyclones and drought like Malawi.

More for you

Victoria Lockie, Unitas Wholesale retail director, speaking at an industry event.

Victoria Lockie leaves Unitas for a new adventure.

Unitas

Victoria Lockie to leave Unitas

Unitas Wholesale retail director and executive board member Victoria Lockie is to leave the business in April as she looks to take on a new challenge, the buying group confirmed to Asian Trader today (27).

Lockie joined the business in September 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brian Eagle Brown with new ShopMate 360 EPoS solution

Brian Eagle Brown with new ShopMate 360 EPoS solution

ShopMate unveils new EPoS solution for convenience retailers

ShopMate has introduced ShopMate 360, a “streamlined and affordable” EPoS system designed for convenience retailers.

ShopMate said the new solution ihas been developed with small retailers in mind, offering an easy-to-use till interface that requires minimal training. With an intuitive design, even those new to retail technology can quickly get up to speed, ensuring smooth daily operations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cadbury, Mars, and Terry's chocolate products with higher prices and smaller sizes due to shrinkflation.

Shrinkflation hits chocolate prices

iStock image

Shrinkflation hits chocolate prices

Prices of some chocolate products have risen by 50 per cent in a year while many have also shrunk in size, states a recent report, raising the concern of shrinkflation among shoppers ahead of Easter celebrations.

The latest report by Which?, the price of eggs made by big names including Cadbury, Mars and Terry’s have risen by as much as 50 per cent in some cases while some have also shrunk in size, according to research by consumer champion Which?.

Keep ReadingShow less
Fyffes Trudi’s ethical bananas in SPAR North of England store 2025

SPAR North of England launches new Trudi’s brand in UK exclusive

SPAR North of England has launched Fyffes’ new ethical trade brand Trudi’s in a UK exclusive for bananas.

The large premium bananas are free of plastic packaging and are available in a paper banded pack of five or loose, including as part of SPAR Meal Deals. This is meeting shifting customer demands and is driving sales in store.

Keep ReadingShow less