The University of Reading and project partner Farm Advisory Services Team Ltd (FAST) have been awarded responsibility for the maintenance, curation and related scientific research for the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale by DEFRA, following a competitive tender.
Recognised internationally as one of the top 200 universities in the world, and as a leader in the field of horticulture, the University of Reading is ranked as one of the UK's top research-intensive universities. It is home to more than 50 research centres, many of which are recognised as international centres of excellence in areas such as agriculture, biological and physical sciences, European histories and cultures, and meteorology.
FAST, which has had a close working relationship with the University for more than 15 years, has responsibility for the maintenance of the collection. It is the largest advisory group in the UK providing advice, technical support and analytical services to commercial fruit growers.
A trials area has been set up at Brogdale Farm to demonstrate developments in growing fruit crops and to test new varieties.
Brogdale Collections is a social enterprise company with the principal aim of creating awareness and interest in the National Fruit Collections and to enhance the long term sustainable future for the living collections at Brogdale Farm.
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