Developing the UK-ADB food and nature partnership
In mid-July, a senior delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) embarked on a UK mission with a series of business meetings at venues across the UK, designed to develop the ADB–UK Food and Nature Partnership launched earlier in the year by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and ADB.
This partnership aims to advance investments in biodiversity, ecosystems, and food systems transformation.
WHOLE SYSTEM APPROACH
ADB works with partners to help solve Asia and the Pacific’s most complex development challenges.
This visit coincided with the 24th anniversary of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) so it was an opportune time for Asia to explore how the UK has pioneered integrated approaches to food, nature, and rural development.
From integrated policy frameworks and investment in ecosystem services to digital innovation and One Health, the UK’s whole system approach is very much relevant for Asia’s rapidly evolving food systems.
As part of the UK-wide roadshow, The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) hosted an exclusive in-person showcase, offering UK organisations a unique opportunity to engage directly with senior ADB representatives.
Val Hughes-White, Roslin Innovation Centre & AgriTech Director, attended this event with tenant companies, Mycolvolt Technologies and Agrifood Investment Advisory, who also participated in 1-2-1 meetings to discuss future opportunities.
ADB provides useful gateway and entry points to Asian markets for early-stage companies so this was an opportunity to gather insight on ADB Agriculture, Food and Sustainability programmes and establish how Roslin Innovation Centre tenant companies and members can get involved and contribute to these programmes, as well as exploring the UK export finance options available from DBT for entry to the Asian market.
FUTURE COLLABORATION POTENTIAL
During the mission, the delegation also travelled to Scotland for meetings in Midlothian Science Zone. Val hosted a meeting at Roslin Innovation Centre to discuss future collaboration and establish how tenant companies can tailor their expertise and services to address the needs of the Asian market.
The delegation was also hosted at Moredun Research, on Pentlands Science Park to hear about their work with SEFARI Gateway, Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, and to discuss areas of mutual interest in livestock and aquaculture.
SUMMARY
Overall, this mission provided the opportunity to share knowledge and explore collaboration opportunities that can be utilised and developed for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in Asia.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation included senior representatives of the Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development Sector (AFNR), ADB’s UK board member, as well as Senior Specialists and Directors.
During the mission, the AFNR team met with Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the FCDO, and conducted valuable exchanges with leaders from DEFRA, the British Expertise International (BEI), ARUP, James Hutton Institute, Roslin Innovation Centre, Intelligent Growth Solutions, and Scotland’s Environment and Food Research Institutes.
Together with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the team also convened a strategic trilateral dialogue with London-based Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to advance country-led food systems transformation.