Mole Valley Farmers has further strengthened its commitment to support and develop UK ruminant research by joining the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL).

CIEL is one of four, government funded Agri-Tech Centres which are managed by Innovate UK. CIEL brings together leading UK academic institutions and industry partners who will help direct research, develop projects and commercialise research findings.

Twelve key academic partners have signed up to the initiative, including The University of Bristol, SRUC and The Roslin Institute. CIEL’s aim is to deliver World leading livestock production and product research to help drive food quality and farming systems in the UK.

Mole Valley Farmers' head of nutrition Dr Chris Bartram, will be be involved in CIEL’s ruminant research steering group and believes it represents a major new opportunity for the feed industry to work closely with research centres.

He said: ”The research must provide practical solutions to current and emerging challenges in each sector. With our farmer members, experienced field team and specialist technical team, Mole Valley Farmers are well positioned to help identify the key questions and facilitate knowledge transfer.”

The ultimate aim is to translate science into practice and facilitate innovation and discovery in livestock research and development. The initiative will also help develop the industry’s skills and training through post graduate study and training of the industry leaders of the future.

Lyndsay Chapman, CIEL CEO, says: “We are delighted to welcome Mole Valley Farmers as our latest members. We're very much looking forward to working with them, developing ideas, and introducing them to potential partners across the CIEL member network.”