CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has described a visit to Rothamsted Research near North Tawton on Friday, May 10 as “fascinating and inspiring”.

The MP met with Dr Jane Hawkins at North Wyke Farm, a large-scale research facility studying the flow of nutrients from soil to food, with the aim of making farming more sustainable.

The farm is part of the internationally-renowned non-profit organisation Rothamsted Research which has partnerships with institutions and universities in more than 50 countries and whose scientists publish around 300 papers in international science journals every year.

Speaking after the visit Mr Stride said: “As an MP I am fortunate to spend time with many excellent organisations who are working to make the world a better place for future generations.

"Today’s visit was a hugely valuable learning exercise for me in terms of better understanding how new livestock technology and products which have the potential to boost the profitability and productivity of livestock farming around the world.

"Farming in the UK and abroad faces significant challenges, not least in terms of sustainability and climate change, and there is no doubt that technological advancements will play a significant role in determining whether we meet these challenges successfully or not.”

During his visit Mr Stride congratulated Rothamsted Research on their commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine in higher education and research.