You don’t have to be a New Scientist subscriber to get excited about the possibilities that sequencing the genomes of various crops can bring.

There have been a number of breakthroughs in this area in the last year or so, with boffins cracking the genetic codes of apples, potatoes and, now, tomatoes (see page 6). No doubt announcements about many further crops are just around the corner.

At a time when producers feel there are not many more efficiencies they can make to wring out a bit more cost from the supply chain, breeding crops with disease or drought resistance is a real reason for cheer. When you consider the ever-growing challenge of climate change, and the possible cost implications of this, it could provide a vital weapon in the armoury of growers to keep costs in check.

It all serves to underline why people are so worried about diminishing research budgets and the genuine fear that there won’t be scientists coming through to make these discoveries.

The potential cost savings of research such as this are incalculable if you think it could keep a lid on food price rises and, by extension, keep the obesity crisis in check.

The industry is working hard to collaborate and ensure research continues to go ahead. Clearly it is vital that it does.

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