The Soft Fruit Sub-committee represents much of the UK’s soft–fruit industry (particularly those involved with cane and bush fruits), with members drawn from the country’s production, advisory and retail sectors. The Soft Fruit Sub-committee ensures that the researchers at the James Hutton Institute are fully informed and up-to-date with the rapidly changing technical and commercial developments within the soft fruit industry and also the political pressures facing soft fruit growers today. We take the opportunity to keep the industry briefed on the existing and proposed research work at the James Hutton Institute.
The changing emphasis of government funding for research and the need to ensure end-user relevance, give the committee a significant voice in discussions with the Scottish Government, Defra, HDC and other research funding bodies. The committee can also provide moderate levels of funding to initiate research into areas of immediate concern to the Scottish and UK industry before such work can be developed into full work packages appropriate for higher level funding.
Reports
Reports from events organised by the sub-committee and projects receiving SSCR funding can be found below:
- PDF file: Soft Fruit Winter Meeting 2015
- PDF file: Soft Fruit Winter Meeting 2014
- PDF file: Soft Fruit Winter Meeting 2013
Meetings
Meeting once a year, usually in winter at The James Hutton Institute, the Soft Fruit Sub-committee is followed by an open session, “Fruit Forum”, to which all members and interested parties are encouraged to attend. During July, we host Fruit for the Future, an event offering the chance to view and taste newer fruit selections and an opportunity to hear topical subjects from researchers and key industry representatives.
As with the other sub-committees, it is proposed that member’s visits to key industry facilities will be arranged.
Contact details
The committee is currently chaired by Peter Thomson and The James Hutton Institute’s lead blueberry researcher, Dr Susan McCallum, is secretary.
Chairman
Peter Thomson
Thomson (Blairgowrie) Ltd
Haugh Road
Blairgowrie
PH10 7BJ
Tel: 01250 875500
Email: pthomson@tthomson.co.uk
Secretary
Susan McCallum
Cell and Molecular Sciences
The James Hutton Institute
Invergowrie
Dundee
DD2 5DA
Tel: 01382 568894
Email: susan.mccallum@hutton.ac.uk
