Genetic Breeding

Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network (VeGIN)Link opens in a new window

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. 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

Assessing the value of plant breeding... (coming soon)

The manipulation of plants for human benefit has a long history, but it was during the 1960s, known as the 'Green Revolution', that modern crop breeding truly began. Technological advancements have since made breeding processes faster and more precise. This report assesses the value of plant breeding in the UK based on analysis of the following key areas:

The economic value of fruit and vegetable production in the UK
The value of gene banks and plants traits / Enhancing crop resilience
The level of new variety development within applications for the Community Plant Variety Office
Vegetable seed industry analysis: market fragmentation and leading players
Sustainable farming and food security: the role of plant breeding