Reacting to news that the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) is to axe more than 40 of its 300 staff, the union described the decision as driven by short-term expediency rather than a long-term strategic policy to promote sustainable food and farming.

The cuts are the result of Defra’s decision to withdraw funding from IGER leaving a £2m shortfall for the financial year 2006-07. This comes on the back of a £1m loss the previous year. Defra’s decision follows a policy change to reduce funding for sustainable food and farming by 12% per year and reallocate the money to work on climate change and alternative energy projects.

Prospect says this flies in the face of the message from the Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming, Lord Bach, who at a conference on January 26 called for a radical change to raise awareness of climate change in the land management sector.

Lord Bach identified three challenges for farming: its contribution to a low carbon economy; mitigating direct emissions from agriculture; and adapting to the impacts of climate change. But the union questions where the research to underpin these changes will be undertaken if IGER programmes are axed.

Nigel Titchen, president of Prospect’s science, engineering and technology group, said: "Bach's press release the previous day spoke about cutting methane gases. The next day they cut the scientists fighting methane emissions. This decision risks destroying the very scientific skills base that will be needed if the UK is to cope with the impact of global warming.

"It is complete Russian roulette. Rather than being the product of a comprehensive structural review, Defra is out to cut areas of research as they come up for renewal. IGER was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. "

IGER carries out basic, strategic and applied research relevant to grassland-based sustainable land use at its four sites; two near Aberystwth, one at Bronydd Mawr near Brecon and one at North Wyke in Devon.