BBSRC chief executive professor Douglas Kell, who launched the plan last week, revealed that food security is one of the council's main research priorities, alongside bio-energy, industrial biotechnology and fundamental bio-science.

He said: "The strategic plan outlines our vision to lead 21st century bio-science. This is a field where the UK is truly world-leading. We will continue to fund excellent research across our remit to fund the best ideas from the best people.

"Building on our bio-science research base, we will give particular focus to three strategic research priorities — delivering food security, sustainable bio-based alternatives to fossil fuels and the basic bio- science to deliver health — areas where our funded scientists can contribute to meeting the challenges that society must overcome."