Some 3,400 scientists and laboratory staff working for the main agencies engaged by Defra have bitterly criticised the government amid fears of meltdown.

All bodies face privatisation, closure, merger, relocation or other drastic status changes, as a result of the ministry’s most recent overhaul, the scientists said through their union, Prospect. Of most significance to the fresh produce industry are the Central Science Laboratory and the Pesticides Safety Directorate.

Faced with a seven per cent cut in budget - between £200-£300 million - in the next six months, morale is at an all-time low, said Prospect. But Paul Noon, its general secretary, claimed that previous reviews have already stripped costs to the bone, and created a host of salary and working-conditions anomalies.

“Despite performing well, we are under threat. The government’s obsession with privatisation and reviews is creating huge uncertainty and driving good people out,” Noon said.

What additionally angers Prospect members is that their work has met with praise, particularly during times of crisis, and is held up as an example to scientists overseas.

It has backed its assertions with a 20-page report - Who’s looking after Defra Science? - and will take its case to the TUC conference in Brighton next week.

Prospect will also launch a charter for public science and forward a motion calling for government to put in place sufficient strategic and financial support or risk losing expertise and knowledge.