National Farmers Union (NFU) bosses have told the government that continued public funding of Horticulture Research International (HRI) is vital for the industry's future health.

The organisation submitted its views to the five-year review of HRI – fearing a further reduction in spending on the UK research epicentre.

Around £2 million, or 19 per cent, has been slashed from horticulture research budgets by Whitehall chiefs over the last five years.

But the NFU has stressed the 'valuable contribution' horticulture makes to the economy – it has an estimated annual turnover of £3 billion and provides 25-30 per cent of jobs in agriculture.

NFU leaders say that research funding is imperiative to the sector's success.

NFU vice president Michael Paske said: 'Our submission highlights the key role horticulture plays in terms of employment in rural areas and emphasises the huge and valuable contribution of horticulture to the rural economy.

'The government must acknowledge that R & D is essential to Britain's horticulture industry and that HRI plays an integral role in ensuring the UK maintains its international reputation as a world leader in horticulture.'

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