Growth in the horticulture industry will be jeopardised by more cuts in research funding, according to Ben Gill, president of the National Farmers Union.

The government has reduced horticultural R&D spend by £2 million - almost a fifth of the total - over the last five years. And the department of the environment food and rural affairs (Defra) has indicated that the Government Spending Review, expected in July, will announce further cuts.

Speaking at Horticulture in Focus 2002, held in London on February 28, Gill said the NFU was strongly opposed to more decreases, and called on growers to support its Keep British Horticulture Going campaign.

'Britain's horticultural industry is built on its world-beating research programme,' he said. 'In a highly competitive market this country cannot afford to let its industry stagnate. It must be at the forefront of developments if we are to be able to respond swiftly to changes in consumer tastes and to environmental demands.' Among the research projects that may be affected are ongoing research to develop drought-resistant strains, medicinal crops, organic varieties, energy efficiency programmes and alternative crop protection measures. Government cutbacks to date have already affected funding to Defra's horticulture and potatoes research budget and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Growers already invest large sums in privately commissioned research programmes, and also contribute just under £4m in levies to the annual research budget for horticulture. Unlike other agricultural sectors, the horticulture industry is largely unsubsidised, and has an annual turnover of £3 billion.

Michael Holmes, chairman of the NFU's horticulture executive, said: 'Growers have worked hard to establish a world-beating programme for their industry. At a time when we are all struggling to rebuild British agriculture, government must stand by its pledge to work in partnership with us on this important commitment to the future.

'Misplaced penny-pinching by government must not be allowed to sabotage our growing future. This will only lead to the export of hugely important horticulture production and jobs.' The NFU has produced flyers detailing how to help fight cuts in the horticulture R&D budget. Urging MPs to back the campaign, writing to local newspapers, and visiting the NFU website to register support, are the among the activities recommended.

The flyers are available from NFU regional offices to support lobbying activities in London. Lapel badges with the slogan Stop the Cuts in R&D are also available.

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