East Malling Research (EMR) has called on the government to invest in research to help tackle concerns over food security.

Scientists at EMR believe that self-sufficiency in the UK could be boosted with greater funding for horticulture research. Currently the UK is only able to supply 10 per cent of the fruit consumed in the country - the lowest self-sufficiency figure of any agricultural or horticultural food category.

In its submission to the DEFRA committee enquiry into ‘Securing food supplies up to 2050: the challenges for the UK’, EMR put the case for greater R&D funding as a major way of protecting the country’s consumers in the future.

EMR chief executive Colin Gutteridge said: “We recognise that it’s not possible to grow bananas or citrus, which make up a significant proportion of the fruit we consume. However, the country still only produces a quarter of the apples and five per cent of the cherries it eats. This gap could be tackled by developing more efficient methods of production and storage to improve the profitability of growers through scientific research.”

The research work undertaken at EMR can play an essential role in improving productivity, breeding improved varieties, extending the post-harvest growing season, reducing the use of pesticides and water, and developing new storage techniques for many fruits. For example, Bramley cooking apples can now be stored all year round to ensure continuity of supply, thanks to three decades of research by EMR.

Gutteridge added: “The Bramley is a success story thanks largely to ongoing investment in scientific research. Horticultural research has to be seen as a long-term investment, which is why the government must ensure it funds it so we are well placed to tackle the major issues of climate change and its impact on food security.

“The UK’s ability to ensure its food security would be enhanced by encouraging the indigenous fruit growing industry to increase production, which in turn would improve our balance of trade deficit, encourage healthier diets and reduce food miles. This can largely be achieved by supporting research and development.”

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