21st Temperton Report explores the sector’s reliance on energy

Posted 11 June 2013

Harper Adams University was delighted to host the 2013 Temperton Fellowship Research Report presentation, by 21st Fellow, Mike Tyers.

Mr Tyers, who works for Countrywide Farmers, presented his report entitled ‘The challenge for the poultry sector in meeting the demand for protein when energy is limited’ at the Farmers’ Club in London.

The aim of the paper is to highlight the reliance of agriculture and in particular, the poultry sector, on energy. It identifies the opportunities and threats to the sector that changes in energy supply might impose.

It looks at the development of agriculture from prehistoric times to the present day and demonstrates how the industry has become more and more reliant on increasing inputs of energy.

In the report, Mr Tyers states: “To investigate the challenges of meeting the demand for meat protein from the resources of energy available it is necessary to understand how politicians prioritise food and energy through respective policies.”

Speaking of the Fellowship, he added: “I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to investigate and report on this topic.

“It is an enormous subject with so many interactions and changes in priorities. There is however no doubt that the availability of energy is the determinant of the future.” 

Following Mr Tyers’ presentation, Temperton Fellowship Chairman, Peel Holroyd, revealed that the 22nd Temperton Fellowship would be awarded to Sales and Marketing Director of BOCM PAULS Ltd, Nick Major.

The Temperton Fellowship was established to commemorate the contribution of Dr Harold Temperton, Director of the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry at Harper Adams University from 1951 -1974.

It is financed by the accrued annual interest from the Temperton Trust investments, which are derived from contributions and donations, as well as proceeds from sales of the book - The History of the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry by ME Telford, PH Holroyd and RG Wells, published by Harper Adams University, September 1986.

The full report can be obtained by e-mailing Mary Early – mearly@harper-adams.ac.uk