UK: East Malling Research launches ‘The Malling Collection’
‘The Malling Collection’ comprises all EMR varieties released since 1988, when Her Royal Highness last visited East Malling, which are currently in commercial use.
“I am delighted to launch ‘The Malling Collection’ of varieties today. The varietal development activities we are undertaking here at East Malling are vital as we help growers to innovate, stay profitable and meet consumer demand for a range of perennial crops,” said EMR Chief Executive, Professor Peter Gregory. He added, “I am of the opinion, as is common in the industry, that EMR should be making much more of the ‘Malling’ name – it is a great asset. In future, the ‘Malling’ name will be included in all varietal releases as EMR seeks to raise the awareness of industry and consumers as to where their food comes from."
The Malling Collection currently comprises 51 varieties released from East Malling including strawberry, raspberry, hops, rootstocks, ornamentals, bush and stone fruit. The Collection will change as new varieties are released and supersede older favourites.
Following the launch of The Malling Collection today, EMR will be developing further media interest including a website to coincide with Fruit Focus in July.
The Royal visit also marked the 100th Anniversary of scientific excellence and innovation at the Kent-based site.
HRH attended a conference, “Innovation in the horticultural industry”, before touring the research facilities to hear about the development of new fruit varieties.
“It has been a huge honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to East Malling Research at this very special event,” commented EMR Chief Executive Professor Peter Gregory. He added, “This is our first public event to mark the Centenary of scientific progress and innovation here at East Malling. From its inception on 1 March 1913, East Malling has focussed on the research needs of the fruit-growing industry and provided the consumer with greater choice, year-round supply, and an ability to produce fruit at home in small modern gardens. The scientific achievements from EMR have shaped the UK countryside and the way that fruit is grown throughout the world.”
In its Centenary year EMR is committed to rising to the ‘Food Security’ challenge that will see a global population heading towards 10 billion people in the next 35 years, an increasing affluence of that population which means that they eater a richer diet including more meat. Significant issues, such as climate change and variability, issues of water and energy security, pressures on land use and environmental considerations will also demand that food production will need to keep abreast of all future scientific innovations.
