To mark the commencement of the works formally, a breaking-ground ceremony was held at the James Hutton Institute campus in Invergowrie, led by both Mairi Gougeon MSP, cabinet secretary for rural affairs and islands, and Iain Stewart MP, under secretary of state for Scotland, joined by project stakeholders and supporters.

With completion expected in early 2024, the centres will bring together industry and world-leading science to focus on solutions for the food and drink industry regarding climate change and a green recovery from the disruption caused by COVID-19. The multi-million developments comprise state-of-the-art science, farm and field facilities, and a new access road. They are being delivered by Oberlanders, Wellwood Leslie Architects and McLaughlin & Harvey under the Scape Major Works UK Framework.

The two plant science innovation centres are being supported by £45 million from the UK Government and £17m from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal.

Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I am delighted to be helping to mark this important first step towards realising our £17m investment in new facilities at the James Hutton Institute through the Tay Cities Region Deal. The Institute has ambitious plans for the future, combining its world leading research with a real commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable food production for the future.

“We are committed to supporting research and innovation in agriculture to help keep Scotland at the forefront globally of action on food security through projects like the International Barley Hub.”

Iain Stewart MP said: “These exciting projects will place Scotland at the forefront of agricultural innovation, ensuring our food and drink production remains dynamic, sustainable and secure. The UK Government is contributing £45m to these projects through the Tay Cities Deal, which is bringing new jobs and investment to the region. We have committed more than £1.5 billion for regional deals across the whole of Scotland, helping communities to build back better from the pandemic.”

Councillor John Alexander, chair of the Tay Cities Deal joint committee, said: “These two flagship projects embody the innovation and sustainability which lie at the heart of the Deal. I’m delighted to see these world-leading research hubs starting to grow at the heart of the Tay Cities Region. I look forward to seeing the centres contribute to solving the huge challenges of our time, including climate change, food security and a green recovery from the global pandemic while supporting jobs in the region and beyond.”

Professor James Brosnan, chair of the International Barley Hub, commented: “There is real excitement and optimism about formally marking the physical beginning of the International Barley Hub. The IBH complements the existing spirit of collaboration in the barley supply chain and will provide the answers to our shared climate challenges through applied scientific excellence. This is indeed a significant milestone to have reached, and we look forward to seeing this project become a reality.”

Professor Derek Stewart, director of the Advanced Plant Growth Centre, added: “Today’s milestone reflects the aim of the APGC to break new ground in many areas related to our quality of life. This Centre will allow us to develop and translate science that will lead to new productions systems like vertical farming, more accurately model climate change and its implications for plant and crop products such as food, pharma etc, and support food security through crop storage.”

The £35m International Barley Hub seeks to secure the long-term future of the barley sector by helping develop new varieties and growing systems that can cope with future climate change, plus new uses for the crop. The project is underpinned by decades of research at the James Hutton Institute and partners, including the University of Dundee, SRUC and Abertay University, the Rowett Institute and others. Businesses and sectoral interest groups such as the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, Maltsters Association of GB, and the National Farmers Union Scotland form part of the project consortium’s demand side.

The £27m Advanced Plant Growth Centre aims to revolutionise crop production systems to produce food locally, 365 days a year, with less environmental impact. Such systems can be completely independent of the weather or availability of agricultural land, for example, indoor vertical farms using LED lights that have full environmental control and are located close to the population on unused derelict land. APGC will support a rapidly expanding industry with 25% annual growth and an estimated worth of $12bn by 2026.

Combined, the two projects aim to create over 470 jobs in the Tayside region and a further 2,200 jobs across the wider Scottish and UK economy.