The future commercial success of the UK cherry production industry in the UK has been given a boost after a three-way agreement that will see the continuation of a breeding programme at East Malling Research (EMR).
An agreement between Univeg Katope UK Ltd, The Associated International Group of Nurseries (AIGN) and EMR means that scientists will undertake a conventional breeding programme designed to develop new varieties of sweet cherries.
A continuation of extensive breeding work already carried out at EMR, the programme will develop cultivars to be trialled and evaluated worldwide, with the long-term aim of producing new commercial varieties.
"We are absolutely delighted to have signed this agreement with EMR and AIGN," said Univeg's Richard Isaacs.
"By bringing together three leaders in their respective fields, we can combine a wide range of skills and experience to really drive the breeding prgramme forward over the next few years."
Isaacs said that Univeg was 'realistic' about breeding timescales and that the deal was a long-term commitment, but pointed out that EMR already had promising material from previous work, with the ultimate aim of offering new varieties to the UK and the rest of the world.
"This agreement will see all of us play to our collective strengths through our breeding, AIGN's extensive network of nurseries around the world, and Univeg's knowledge of the marketplace," added Mike Solomon, chief executive of EMR.
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