A major new horticultural research initiative is to be set up in order to strengthen the future of post-harvest research in the UK.
The Jim Mount Centre, a collaboration between East Malling Research (EMR) and the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of Greenwich University, will sustain and build on current expertise in tree fruit research.
Combining EMR’s expertise on UK horticulture with NRI’s expertise on tropical crops, it will look to broaden the scope of its studies from tree fruit to all fresh produce to ensure the future of post-harvest research in Kent.
The centre’s existence follows some “tough decisions” but Dr Neil Hipps of EMR said there was a greater need now than ever for such a venture with the loss of agrochemicals, increased focus on carbon footprinting, demand for lengthy shelf life and improved eating quality, increased focus on waste and packaging and the ever-growing issue of UK production and food security.
He told delegates at a long-term storage day at EMR last Thursday: “There’s a whole range of issues that need to be tackled by post-harvest research and there is a real need to continue doing it.
“Realistically we need to keep things moving forward and support both fruit and vegetables.”
Hipps said that the partnership between EMR and NRI would create the “widest ranging post-harvest research with the best facilities in the country”. The NRI offers expertise on vegetables and tropical fruit as well as training, food science and safety, market economics and biochemistry while EMR will bring its storage and field facilities, extensive post-harvest knowledge and fresh produce links to the table.
Hipps told freshinfo: “Versatility is vital to satisfy the needs of the fresh produce industry and encompassing a wider range of product categories will provide a one stop shop for all R&D needs.
“Both organisations have recognised the need for collaboration to provide a better service and already have an excellent track record of working together in other areas of research. However, the success of the centre will be measured by the development of new projects developed in partnership with all sectors of the supply chain.”
Dr Mike Solomon, chief executive of EMR, said: “We had to make a tough decision as demand for the tree fruit research is not what it used to be but we made the investment and post-harvest research is here to stay at EMR and extending it to other products means we can make that sustainable.”
Recruitment is already underway for the centre to add to the existing seven post-harvest technologists, one post-harvest pathologist, five experts in food safety and microbiology and six market economists linked to the centre. There will also be access to a wide range of scientific expertise across Greenwich University.
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