The Food and Environment Research AgencyDr Louise ByassIP Exploitation Manager

BackgroundFera brings together the Central Science Laboratory (CSL), the UK Government Decontamination Service (GDS), the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI), Plant Varieties and Seeds Division (PVS) and Plant Health Division (PHD).

The creation of Fera will help to strengthen Defras groundbreaking food, farming and environmental research programmes in support of the Departments objectives, through its work in:plant and crop protectionfood chain safetyenvironmental risk assessmentcrisis response

Our PurposeDeveloping a sustainable food chain

Developing a healthy natural environment

Protecting the global community

Our roleRegulationPolicy and inspectorate functions for plant health, bee health and plant varieties and seedsResearchRobust scientific research, analysis and evidence for government and commercial customers worldwideResponseAdvice, guidance and support as part of the UKs capability to respond and recover in emergency situations

Our CapabilitiesHorizon scanning, policy and strategy developmentResearch and innovationExpert identification, measurement and modellingRisk assessment, mitigation and contingency responseBetter regulation, inspection, auditing and adviceDevelopment of globally important collections and datasets

Organisational design

Key factsProjected turnover 2009/10 - 72millionStaff - 850LocationMain labs at Sand Hutton, York, UKSeeds office at Cambridge, UKWildlife Management facility at Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire, UKRegional inspectors at 40 locations across the UK, including Heathrow airport, Felixstowe seaportGDS office location near StaffordWebsite: www.defra.gov.uk/fera

Main site (Sand Hutton, York)

Fera at a glanceWe have over 40,000 government and commercial customersWe run over 600 research projectsWe provide services to customers in over 100 countriesWe analyse over 50,000 plant and food samples a yearWe carry out over 150,000 plant and bee health inspection visits a yearWe work with more than 1000 collaboration partners

Commercial activityProjected commercial income 09/10 = 15mR&D and services to private sector, licensing etc.SMEs through to global blue chip companiesKey account management moving towards fewer larger customersBDMs and marketing

IP and its exploitation16 patent families, similar number of TMsMostly in diagnostic and pest management areasLicensing in and outProducts proficiency testing schemes and reference materials, insect traps, web-based subscription products e.g. RAPPORT and fc24

Products

Forsite Diagnostics Ltdwww.forsitediagnostics.comFounded January 20077-figure external investmentBased on Fera site

InterAct project Unique collaboration between six public sector research establishmentsCefas, Dstl, Fera, HPA, HSL, VLA3m from DIUS over 3 yearsObjective to identify and exploit synergies in IP of partnersFera lead partnerIncludes Proof of Concept fund for partners

Any questions?