3 November 2026

 

Three of the UK’s most prominent land-based institutions are joining forces to educate and support the next generation of leaders, with a particular focus on food security, climate resilience and animal health.

Comprising The Royal Agricultural University (RAU), the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), and SRUC, the newly formed UK AgriFutures Alliance will bring together complementary strengths in agriculture, veterinary science, food systems, and rural enterprise to collaborate on research, knowledge exchange, and transnational education. 

The institutions’ combined expertise covers the full spectrum from land and primary production through food systems, business, and veterinary capability.

At a special signing ceremony at the RVC campus in London, members of the UK AgriFutures Alliance agreed to: 

  • Develop a collaborative UK platform spanning veterinary science, agriculture, agri-tech, rural studies, environmental studies and food systems.
  • Pursue joint research, workshops and postgraduate training in One Health, sustainable and smart agriculture, livestock systems, climate resilience and agri-food innovation.
  • Deliver shared knowledge exchange activity, including training, consultancy and industry engagement.
  • Expand transnational education in China and other priority markets, through joint curricula, articulation pathways, short courses, executive education and staff/student mobility.
  • Pursue joint applications to UK and international funding bodies.

Professor Peter McCaffery, Vice-Chancellor of the RAU, said: “We’re proud to be joining forces with partners whose values and ambitions so closely align with our own. Together, we can build a stronger international presence, grow our transnational education offer and amplify our collective impact on issues that matter to every nation, from food security and animal health to resilient landscapes and thriving rural communities.

“Collectively we can extend the UK’s leadership in these vital fields and develop the next generation of professionals and innovators who will shape a more resilient future. This is a partnership with the potential to create lasting global impact.”

Professor Stuart Reid, President & Principal of the RVC, said: “The RVC is delighted to be a founding member of this important alliance. The global significance of the agrifood sector cannot be overstated and the need for sustainability, safety and security is paramount. By joining forces with our cognate specialist partners, we will advance and promote excellence in education, research and consultancy for the benefit of animal and human health. Truly an example of synergy, we are very much stronger together as we address these global societal challenges.”  

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “As the world continues to evolve at a rapid pace, collaboration will be vital as we tackle major challenges such as climate change and food security. But with these challenges come opportunities, and we are delighted to help create this important alliance with the RAU and RVC, complementing each other’s respective strengths and expertise to educate the next generation of leaders.”

Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of UUKi, said: “The UK AgriFutures Alliance is an exciting example of the collaborative, partnership-led approach that sits the heart of the refreshed International Education Strategy. By bringing together the strengths of three of the world-leading specialist institutions, the Alliance offers an innovative model for international engagement. 

“By taking a co-ordinated approach to fostering research, knowledge exchange and transnational education partnerships, it will create truly impactful and sustainable relationships between people, communities and institutions in the UK, China, Egypt, and beyond. It’s a pleasure to welcome this initiative, which will make an invaluable contribution to addressing shared global challenges in areas such as food security, sustainable agriculture, animal health and climate resilience.”

The Alliance will also strengthen the UK’s international offer. Combining RAU’s international partnerships, RVC’s global veterinary research and clinical expertise and SRUC’s applied innovation strengths will create a co-ordinated route into priority markets, including China, reduce duplication, and position the UK as a recognised centre of excellence for One Health, sustainable agriculture, and agri-food innovation.