Market Engagement - Genetic Improvement Networks

DEFRA is holding a market engagement session at 11am (GMT) on 3rd August in connection with the delivery of the Genetic Improvement Network platform re-tender. Defra plans to re-tender the GIN programme with a refinement of focus onto key HMG priorities; building on existing use of national gene banks and developing collaborations throughout the new programme. This is anticipated to include work on precision breeding technologies and additional crops within the main product categories of the platform (cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, pulses, and soft fruit) that can contribute to enhanced agri-food system resilience.

Additional information: Funding up to £30M was recently announced by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for a renewed and expanded programme of work on crop genetic improvement via Defra's Genetic Improvement Network research platform at the No 10 'Farm to Fork Food Summit'. Since 2003 the GINs have underpinned genetic improvement of major UK crops to enhance their productivity, sustainability, and resilience.

The research focuses on public good delivery, supporting the development of crop genetics that would be difficult or out of scope for industrial breeding programmes to provide. The renewed programme will seek to capitalise on the UKs regional advantage following royal assent of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act to accelerate the development of more sustainable crops, and pump prime industry investments in precision breeding technology. The research will be commissioned through an R&D competition, with contracts awarded on merit based on specific requirements set out in an invitation to tender.

Defra is holding a market engagement session on 3rd August 2023 at 11am to assess market interest, capability and capacity. Interested parties can register for the Teams meeting by emailing angela.johnson2@defra.gov.uk. Please provide details of your organisation, the names, emails and job titles of who will attend and we will email a link where you can join the meeting. Include GIN Market Engagement in the title of your message.