Fera specialises in delivering science-based services to support sustainable agriculture and food production, environmental management, and conservation and in food safety and quality.
In 2015, Fera Science was created as an independent entity from the UK government as a joint venture between DEFRA (25%) and Capita (75%). The Plant Health Inspectorate, Plant Varieties and Seeds, the National Bee Unit and the GM Inspectorate were split off from Fera and became part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.[1]
In January 2024, Capita's 75% stake in Fera Science was acquired by Bridgepoint Group for £62m.[2]
Function
Fera specialises in the sciences underpinning agriculture for sustainable crop production, environmental management and conservation and in food safety and quality. Fera has statutory responsibilities for delivering policy and inspectorate functions in relation to Plant Health, Bee Health and Plant Varieties and Seeds. Fera is part of the UK capability to respond to, and recover from, emergency situations, including accidental or deliberate release of hazardous materials.