Interest in vegetable seed breeding is being rekindled in the UK, according to Syngenta vegetable managing director Massimo Enzo.

Enzo told FPJ that one of the major barriers in the seed breeding industry is finding individuals who are specialist and dedicated to traditional vegetable breeding, but that the career path is now being rediscovered in the UK.

“Universities in the UK used to be the key to seed breeding, but then it became an attractive job,” said Enzo. “But now the interest is coming back. Over the last 10 years, the last two of those have been far the best in terms of overall horticultural business. This subject is really stimulating people to come into the industry today, because of issues like the environment and the carbon footprint. This attitude has brought with it an important trend: people are now willing to pay a premium price if the product ticks all the boxes.”

Syngenta is following the popular trend for bite-sized fruit and vegetables by offering new varieties in Solinda watermelon, baby cauliflower and baby Savoy. Dutch chef Angelique Schmeick was cooking with Syngenta’s products at it Fruit Logistica stand, demonstrating how versatile and convenient the produce is.

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