East Malling Research (EMR) is looking to form an industry consortium in a bid to secure the future of its cherry breeding programme.
The programme at EMR has been substantially funded by DEFRA, but this ceases in April 2009. The Kent-based research station is therefore holding an open meeting for interested parties with the aim of keeping the programme going.
EMR has a long history of cherry improvement and has been breeding cherry scions since 1981. The variety Penny was released from the programme in 2001 and a substantial pipeline of new selections has been established with a focus on extending the English cherry season into August and September.
The meeting will be held at East Malling on September 17 at 11am. Growers and other members of the fruit industry who would like to attend are asked to contact Colin Gutteridge at colin.gutteridge@emr.ac.uk or on 01732 523710.
No comments yet