RASPBERRY INDUSTRY IN SCOTLAND
The Scottish raspberry industry has been in decline over the last 15-20 years. Since the mid-1980s the area of fruiting plantations has halved and the tonnage declined. The decline is due to a number of factors including weak varieties, disease problems and cheap imports. Problems have been exacerbated by the industry's inability to breed a new variety with a high yield resistant to frost and disease. The industry believes that the decline can be halted with new and improved varieties.
In 2000 the Scottish Executive commissioned DTZ Pieda Consulting to review and report on the future of the raspberry industry in Scotland. Following publication of its report the Scottish Executive convened an industry forum in July 2001 and then worked with grower groups from February 2002 onwards to discuss the formation of a possible consortium to commission a new raspberry breeding-breeding programme. The new programme was announced in July 2003. The £950,000 raspberry-breeding programme will help to strengthen the industry by improving disease resistance and increasing yields. The Scottish Executive is contributing £464,000 in grant over the seven-year programme.
The consortium consists of representatives from 13 organisations AFI Direct Sales Ltd, Angus Soft Fruit Ltd, BerryWorld Ltd, Hargreaves Plants Ltd, Highland Fruit Stocks Ltd, Horticultural Development Council, KG Growers Ltd, Meiosis Ltd, Mylnefield Research Services Ltd, Saltire Fruits Ltd, Scottish Nuclear Stock Association, Scottish Society for Crop Research and Trade Solutions (Scotland) Ltd.
The Scottish programme is complemented by a similar programme of work being developed in England and grant aided by the DEFRA to breed long cane varieties suitable for the climate in the south of the country. There will be significant collaboration between the two programmes.