The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) is an Executive Agency of the UK Government Department Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs), founded by the then Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in April 1992. CSL moved to a new purpose-built site outside York in 1996. The organisation employs c650 staff with a turnover in 2001/2 of c£40 million.

CSL specialise in the sciences underpinning agriculture for sustainable crop production, environmental management and conservation and in food safety and quality. Arising from the research we carry out is a wide range of analytical, diagnostic and consultancy services designed to support the international land-based and food industries.  A brochure about Central Science Laboratory can be downloaded by clicking here. 

The Central Science Laboratory can be contacted at +44 (0) 1904 46 20 00 or online