Defra says the work at the Weybridge site is a response to increasing animal and plant disease threats, which come with knock-on impacts to public health, food and farming businesses and the wider economy.
The government also said the laboratories it inherited were in a “poor condition with their long-term future in doubt – posing a significant risk to Britain’s farmers and human health”.
Commitment of further investment needed
The NFU has welcomed the funding.
However, it noted that a National Audit Office report in 2022 found that ‘the UK’s primary science capability for managing threats from animal diseases’ had been subject to a ‘long period of inadequate management and under investment’.
It said Defra had estimated that £2.8 billion was needed over 15 years, under its Weybridge Development Programme.
“The Treasury, under the previous government, accepted the NAO’s report but didn’t commit to the £2.8bn sum suggested,” said NFU chief animal health and welfare adviser Catherine McLaughlin.
“The £200m announced falls well short of that so a commitment of further investment is needed.”
She called for clarity on what improvements would be selected.
“The £200m announced falls well short of that so a commitment of further investment is needed.”
NFU chief animal health and welfare adviser Catherine McLaughlin
Support for crucial upgrades
APHA Chief Executive Jenny Stewart said: “APHA is at the forefront of tackling animal and plant disease outbreaks, with our experts working around the clock.
“This funding is hugely welcome to support crucial upgrades that will allow us to continue delivering the disease surveillance, detection and research work which protects against new and existing threats.
“APHA’s vital work includes leading the current operational response to the impacts of avian influenza and bluetongue virus which have been affecting farmers across the country. This includes testing thousands of samples, which requires significant laboratory capacity.
“Risks to our biosecurity will continue and this investment will help ensure we are better prepared for the future.”
