Committee publication · Correspondence · 19 May 2026
Correspondence from the Agricultural Engineers Association regarding Silsoe Spray Applications, dated 30 April 2026
From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Animal and plant health
Summary
The Agricultural Engineers Association writes to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee chair requesting urgent attention to the potential closure of the Silsoe Spray Applications Unit (SSAU). SSAU conducts specialist research in pesticide risk assessment, environmental protection, and precision application technologies. The AEA argues closure would eliminate critical UK research capability with no domestic alternative and undermine evidence-based agricultural policymaking.
Key findings
- SSAU is described as a unique facility providing specialist research and analytical capability in pesticide risk assessment and precision application technologies
- The AEA asserts closure would create a substantial gap in UK research and testing capability with no viable domestic alternative
- SSAU's work is framed as critical to maintaining a science-led regulatory framework and supporting government ambitions for sustainable agriculture
- The closure risk is characterised as severe and immediate, requiring urgent committee attention
- The AEA seeks committee scrutiny given its remit over food security, farming, and environmental protection
Tone
CriticalTopics
Key actors
Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), Alistair Carmichael MP, Ruth Bailey, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Silsoe Spray Applications Unit (SSAU)
Notable line
“The loss of this facility would create a substantial gap in the UK's research and testing capability, with n o viable domestic alternative …”
Key Quotes
“SSAU is a unique and strategically important facility within the UK, providing specialist research and analytical capability that underpins key areas of agricultural practice, including pesticide risk assessment, environmental protection, and the development of precision application technologies.”
“The loss of this facility would create a substantial gap in the UK's research and testing capability, with n o viable domestic alternative, and would risk undermining both innovation and evidence-based policymaking in this area.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗