YORK is to become the national focus for crops of the future with the launch of a pioneering research centre today.

The National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) brings together farmers, scientists and industry, providing a world-class science base to underpin the development of new markets and crop uses.

Car parts, lubricants, beauty creams and shirts are just a few of the array of products that can contain plant material, and starch-based plastics, renewable construction materials and solvents free of toxic chemicals are also being developed.

The renewable nature of these crops means they are environmentally-friendly, cutting the depletion of fossil fuels and other finite resources, and reducing carbon emissions from petrochemicals and the volume of non-biodegradable waste going to landfill sites.

The centre, which is based at York Science Park, at Heslington, will:

Provide a database for non-food crops and technologies

Work to raise the profile of industrial crops

Spread scientific and technical information

Assist in delivering the Government's overall non-food crops strategy.

Food and farming minister Lord Whitty, who launched the centre, said it would fit into the new direction agriculture will take after reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, which will provide financial help for energy crops and biofuels.

"Capitalising on these potential markets is a major challenge which I believe farmers are ready and able to meet," he said.

"Diversifying the range of crops grown is one of the keys to a sustainable future for farmers."

The non-profit centre will be funded by Defra, the Department of Trade and Industry, and industrial sponsorship, with agricultural company Springdale Crop Synergies, at Rudstone, near Driffield, acting as a demonstration farm.

NNFCC chairman Peter Lillford said: "We know how and where to grow new crops or produce existing ones for industrial use, and our scientists and technologists are never short of inventive new ideas.

"Now the issue is to turn good ideas and production capabilities into real ingredients that the industry can afford and products with real consumer appeal. That is the challenge for all associated with the centre and we are looking forward to it."

Updated: 10:36 Monday, November 24, 2003