United Kingdom
October 16, 2013

Grass trial plots at IBERS Aberystwyth University

The plant breeding programme at IBERS Aberystwyth University responsible for the creation and development of high sugar ryegrasses now used widely by livestock farmers in the UK and beyond has been recognised in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards for 2013.

Aberystwyth University has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology category of the awards having submitted an entry that focuses on the breeding and development of Aber® High Sugar Grasses (AberHSG).

Now in their ninth year, the awards are a high-profile opportunity to celebrate the excellence and outstanding achievements of UK higher education institutions, focusing on the two core pursuits of teaching and research.

The creation of Aber® High Sugar Grasses at Aberystwyth University is an example of how academic research expertise can work effectively in partnership with commercial enterprise to deliver much needed innovation for the farming industry. British-based seed company Germinal Holdings has been the long term commercial partner in the grass breeding programme at IBERS and markets Aber® High Sugar Grasses worldwide.

“Recognition of the work done by the grass breeders at IBERS – at this level and beyond the agricultural industry – really helps to underline the importance of their breakthrough for the livestock farming industry,” comments William Gilbert, a director of Germinal Holdings.

“Aber® High Sugar Grasses have become an established choice for livestock farmers
seeking the best returns from grass, throughout the British Isles and as far afield as New
Zealand. These varieties have proven ability to increase the efficiency of milk and meat
production whilst at the same time reducing methane emissions and nitrogenous pollutants
by up to 20%. Several of the major retailers are now incentivising their producers to use
Aber® High Sugar Grasses, because of the increased efficiency resulting and the
opportunity to reduce carbon footprints.”

The Times Higher Education Awards dinner and ceremony takes place on Thursday 28
November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. This spectacular event will
be attended by over 1,000 guests, including government ministers and academic and
university staff of every level.

® “Aber” is a registered trade mark of Germinal Holdings Limited

Website: https://www.germinal.com/

Published: October 16, 2013