VALOR research featured in UK parliamentary discussion on sustainable farming incentives
On 25 November 2025, VALOR's coordinating partner University of Reading (UREAD) contributed to a panel discussion hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bees, Pollinators and Invertebrates in London, United Kingdom. The event, titled "Sustainable Farming Incertives, Where Next?" brought together policymakers, researchers, industry representatives and NGOs to influence discussion around recent and upcoming changes in the UK's agri-environment schemes.
The closed meeting was organised by the Royal Entomology Society and chaired by Barry Gardiner, Labour Member of the Environmental Audit Committee and Chair of the APPG on Bees, Pollinators and Invertebrates. The discussion aimed to support ongoing policy debates by bringing Members of Parliament and the House of Lords into conversation about how sustainable farming incentives can better support biodiversity.
During the panel discussion, UREAD provided an overview of research being undertaken within the VALOR project, with particular focus on the economic research related to farming systems and value chains. The contribution highlighted how VALOR is working to better understand the role of pollinators within agricultural value chains and how this knowledge can support more effective biodiversity management.
The panel also included representatives from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the National Farmers Union and BASF UK. In attendance were also four MPs, two members of the House of Lords and representatives from several non-governmental organisations.
The discussion panel provided success in raising awareness among decision-makers about VALOR's work. Underlining the project's engagement with businesses, value chains and farmers, making way for its research to inform future agri-environment policy.