Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network
Welcome to VeGIN
An interactive network of researchers and industry leaders, who work together to promote market delivery of improved vegetable varieties using sustainable production systems.
About Us
The Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network (VeGIN) was initiated with funding from Defra. The Network brings together research focused on key vegetable crops and encourages collaborations between industry and researchers to address how genetic improvement of crop varieties can contribute to a sustainable increase in food production to meet the twin challenges of food security and climate change. Key contributions are being delivered by both University of Warick and Harper Adams university. Industrial partners play an invaulable role and provide feedback on the work being undertaken.
VeGIN brings together research on the genetic improvement of carrot, onion, leafy vegetables and salads. It benefits from knowledge arising from satellite projects funded by industry and other government funders and provide underpinning resources for such projects.
Please select a vegetable crop from the 'Projects' tab above for further details.
VeGIN's sector focused research
The major UK vegetable crops; Brassica, Lettuce, Carrot and Onion are substantial components of the UK farming industry. These all make an important contribution to a healthy UK diet and contribute to our food security.
The aims of VeGIN are:
- To develop the genetic resources and tools to accelerate breeding for “sustainability traits” in field vegetables
- To establish an effective network with industry, for knowledge transfer to promote market delivery of R&D
Useful Links
- DefraLink opens in a new window
- Warwick Crop CentreLink opens in a new window
- UK Vegetable GenebankLink opens in a new window
- Fresh Produce Research CentreLink opens in a new window
- VeGIN Stakeholders' Event, Tuesday 17th October 2023. Register HERE
- VeGIN Stakeholders' Event, Wednesday 18th January 2023. Agenda and registration HERE
- VeGIN Stakeholders' Event, 1st December 2021. Meeting recording and presentation available HERE