Two scientists at Horticultural Research International (HRI) have received the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers' prestigious award for excellence in the category of “Outstanding Achievement in Organic Research and Development”.
Drs Peter Darby and Colin Campbell received the award for their research to reduce pesticide use in hops and it is hoped that this research will eventually lead to the elimination of pesticide application.
The project has particular relevance to the UK industry because at present, there is only limited production of organic hops in the UK, obliging brewers to source organic hops from abroad.
The HRI entry was scrutinised by an eminent panel of judges that included the master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, the chairman and members of the Fruiterers' Awards Council, Waitrose agronomy technical manager, industry scientists and a leading organic farmer.
The scientists received a cheque for £2000 and an engraved cut-glass crystal bowl for their efforts.
