The UK has a special climate where cool summers, mild winters and ample rainfall provide the environment where small grain cereals and grass may flourish, giving rise to some of the highest yielding and best quality crops in the world.

That world is changing fast. Climatic perturbations which hitherto were known only occasionally are becoming increasingly frequent. Unprecedented high temperatures and rainfalls, unpredictable and unseasonable conditions in which we must now grow our food. In an uncertain political world we no longer wish to rely solely on obtaining vital supplies overseas. Our food needs to be capable of being produced within our shores. We recognise too that our problems are international. The rest of the world is facing difficult challenges; having enough food to feed a growing population needs the careful application of plant science.

And so we must use all the tools at our disposal to adapt our crops, and the plants which give us those crops. The people who are working on the characteristics which make these plants capable of growing in these unpredictable conditions realise that they have a major responsibility to come together and focus their efforts on producing safe, good quality food and feed in an unpredictable world.

Fortunately, the UK has world class research to call on in addressing these issues. The Monogram Network provides a UK focus on grain and grass research and encompasses the Monogram Cross Institute Programme (CIP). We also have strong links to scientists in other countries, working in the same areas of science as ourselves.

This research is specialised and will at times seem impenetrable and complex. Bear with us. Out of it will emerge the future.

This site is primarily for specialists. If you would like more information about plant and crop science for non-specialists go to http://www.plantsandus.org.uk.