Search form Search Open Menu You are here HomeAboutNIAB todaySupporting NIAB Supporting NIAB For nearly 100 years, NIAB has played a key role in supporting the development of improved crop varieties and transferring advances in plant science into practical agriculture. Following food shortages during the First World War, NIAB was established as a charitable trust in 1919 under the motto ‘Better Seeds: Better Crops’. NIAB recognised the importance of seed quality and improved varieties in improving crop yields and safeguarding food supplies. The Institute went on to pioneer the development of many of the seed and variety evaluation processes which still provide the foundation for successful, sustainable crop production both in the UK and abroad. Today, food security is again high on the agenda, fuelled by concerns over population growth and climate change. The UN predicts that we need to produce 50% more food by 2030 and once again, the world is turning to plant genetic resources for solutions. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany Trust works to promote agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture anywhere in the world by charitable means. With an expanding crop research programme and extensive experience in seed and variety evaluation, we are working hard to help address the urgent global need to produce more food with reduced impact on the environment. How you can help Back in 1919, NIAB was established through the generous personal donations and bequests of Sir Robert McAlpine of the construction firm, Viscout Elveden of the Guinness family and Mr Fred Hiam, a local farming magnate. The importance of donations and legacies in supporting our work continues today. A recent legacy, kindly left by Mrs Mary Sophi Taylor, a widow of a farmer in Oxfordshire, has significantly contributed to our work. Mrs Taylor had a keen interest in crop breeding technology and her legacy has supported work in this area. Our conference centre The Sophi Taylor Building, opened in 2013, was named in recognition of Mrs Taylor's generous donation. Making a donation or leaving a legacy, however large or small, will make a real difference to help strengthen NIAB’s scientific resources and support our vital work as an non-profit agricultural charity. We are grateful for any amount you can give us. If you would like to leave a legacy or a donation, contact Teresa Stratton who will be able to answer any of your questions. Alternatively fill out your details on our legacy pledge form. Any information you give will be treated in complete confidence. Completing a legacy pledge form does not commit you in any legal sense to leaving a legacy to NIAB, and you can change your mind at any time. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany Trust, Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge CB3 0BE Registered Charity Number 1144528 NIAB TODAY About us Corporate information Our impact Mission Statement Supporting NIAB PEOPLE LOCATIONS CONTACT HISTORY Contact NIAB 93 Lawrence Weaver Road Cambridge CB3 0LE, UK Tel: +44(0)1223 342200 Email: info@niab.com Connect Like us Tweet us Follow us Send us an email NIAB TAG Membership Or sign up to a free NIAB TAG Membership trial © NIAB 2021 Careers Site map Privacy Accessibility Terms and Conditions - services Terms and Conditions - website Sign in