RESEARCHERS from the University of York have been awarded a £2.74 million grant to lead a new food resilience project.

Scientists are taking part in one of five projects looking to improve productivity and sustainability to relieve pressure on global food systems.

The four-year York project, which starts next month, is led by Professor Bob Doherty, Acting Dean of the York Management School.

Prof Doherty said the aim was to produce new datasets, information resources, technology tools for farmers, decision making tools for business and consumer mobile technologies.

Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “From disease protection to improving management of global food shocks, these research projects will help tackle the serious threat of food shortages.

“Supporting these exciting and innovative solutions will help the UK food industry be better prepared for external factors and help provide food security to millions.”