YORKSHIRE is to be the national focus for non-food crops with a new centre at York Science Park acting as the hub for industry expertise.

A farm at Rudstone, near Driffield, will provide practical demonstrations of the potential for such crops.

Car parts, lubricants, beauty creams and shirts are just a few of the hundreds of products which can contain plant material. Many other products, such as starch-based plastics, renewable construction materials, and solvents free of toxic chemicals, are being developed.

The new National Non-Food Crops Centre at York Science Park was officially launched by Lord Whitty, Food And Farming Minister.

It will raise awareness among industry, scientists and farmers and provide a database for non-food crop products and technologies. The aim is to unite the experience of the farmers who produce them; the scientists who research their potential, and businesses which generate demand for them.

The centre is also expected to play a role in delivering the Government's overall strategy for non-food crops, due to be published next year.

"Non-food crops can generate new markets for mainstream crops and opportunities for new crops, many of which have barely begun to be developed," said Lord Whitty. "Capitalising on these potential markets is a major challenge which I believe farmers are ready and able to meet.

"We also have a world-class science base to provide the underpinning research and develop new products and applications, as well as the industries to produce, transform and market the materials."

The new crops also offered environmental benefits by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions, and reducing the volume of non-biodegradable waste.

Peter Lillford, NNFC chairman, said there was enthusiasm for the increased use of renewable raw materials in daily lives. "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 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."

Springdale Crop Synergies, based in Driffield, is one of the leading companies developing markets for non-food crops. It will act as a demonstration farm for the centre.

Clifford Spencer, managing director, said: "This is an important landmark; it will mean people working full time to help this development of the rural economy."

Essex-based Hemcore manufactures hemp for fibre which is used in cars and for building insulation. John Hobson, managing director, said: "We welcome the emphasis that Defra is placing on non-food crops. Our business is right in line with Government thinking to increase the awareness of industrial crops."