Fera Science

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Fera Science Limited
AbbreviationFera
Formation2015
Legal statusLimited Company
PurposeFera specialises in delivering science-based services to support sustainable agriculture and food production, environmental management, and conservation and in food safety and quality.
HeadquartersYork, United Kingdom
Location
Region served
UK, Europe, and most of the world.
Parent organization
Bridgepoint Development Capital and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) of the UK Government.
Website

Fera Science Limited (Fera), formerly known as the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), is a contract research laboratory located in York, UK. Operating both domestically and internationally, Fera provides expert scientific services to various industries and the public sector. Established as a joint venture between Bridgepoint Development Capital and the UK Government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Fera is dedicated to innovative and science-driven solutions, aiming to safeguard individuals, food, and the environment.

Contents

Scope of Services:

Fera specialises in delivering science-based services to support sustainable agriculture, food production, environmental management, conservation, and food safety and quality. Additionally, it houses Fapas®, a globally recognized laboratory proficiency testing provider that has supported the food and water testing industries since 1990.

History

In 1914, the Institute for Plant Pathology was established at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, responding to the increasing challenge of new pests and diseases. Over the years, the organization evolved, leading to the formation of the Plant Pathology Laboratory in 1918, which relocated to Harpenden, Herts in 1920. Throughout 1990-96 the UK Government brought together all the national laboratory capabilities together at York, North Yorks creating one Central Science Laboratory (CSL), Fapas launched Fapas.  In 1999 the Government then incorporated it’s food science expertise into CSL. In 2009 following the merger of CSL with four other departments focused on plant health and seeds the Food & Environment Research Agency was formed becoming an executive Agency of Defra.

Formation of Fera:

In 2015, Fera Science Limited was created as a public private sector partnership through a joint venture between Defra and Capita plc, with a focus on supporting a secure, safe, and sustainable food chain, a healthy natural environment, and global protection from biological and chemical threats.

Recent Developments:

On January 17th, 2024, Capita completed the divestment of its shareholding in Fera to Bridgepoint.

Current Status:

As of 2024, Fera operates as a public-private sector joint venture, delivering science-based services in sustainable agriculture, food production, environmental management, conservation, and laboratory proficiency assurance.

Function

Fera specializes in the sciences underpinning agriculture, environmental management, conservation, food safety, quality, and laboratory proficiency assurance. It plays a crucial role in responding to and recovering from emergency situations, including the accidental or deliberate release of hazardous materials.

Structure

Fera's business operations are governed by a Board comprising Bridgepoint, Defra, and Independent Directors, supported by its committees. The Executive Management Team leads the organization, overseeing five connected Business Units:

See also

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