Subject to negotiations with Defra, the trust aims to put plans in place to establish a separate company to manage the new enterprise and appoint a shadow board of directors and chief executive.

Progress towards implementation will involve full consultation with HRI, recognising continuing responsibilities for staff and programmes pending ministerial decisions.

Chairman of the Trust, Dr Ian Graham-Bryce, said: 'It is in everyone's interest that the future of East Malling is resolved as quickly as possible. We believe that our proposal will provide a positive way forward for the station and for the horticultural industry.'