James Hutton Institute introduces new global raspberry breeding consortium

The James Hutton Institute Scientific Services, the Institute's commercial arm, has established a new five-year global raspberry breeding consortium spanning 2029.

Underpinned by crucial research from the previous organization, the new Raspberry Breeding Consortium unites a diverse range of partners to combine skills, knowledge, and access to cutting-edge technology to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry.

Currently comprised of organizations from across the globe, including Australia, The Netherlands, USA, Spain, and the UK, the consortium is calling for even more members to join and combine resources to create new, targeted, and improved raspberry varieties.

Dr Jonathan Snape, Head of James Hutton Limited (currently rebranding to James Hutton Institute Scientific Services), said: "Raspberry economics, production methods, and rate of consumption have all undergone significant changes in recent years. Meeting the modern-day challenges presented by climate change, labor costs, and Brexit has undoubtedly influenced which raspberry traits are in the highest demand and we need to respond to this demand if we are to have a sustainable raspberry industry in the future."

With the market constantly evolving, demand is high for new varieties that balance productivity and picking efficiency, as well as pest and disease resistance. This means that growers can rely on resilient crops offering good flavor and longer shelf life. The consortium recognizes that this requires a swift pace of research to produce economical and sustainable solutions.

The Hutton hosts one of the largest and most diverse collections of historic, novel, hybrid, and commercial raspberry breeding facilities in Europe. By using this trove of knowledge and advancing technologies, the consortium will collaborate with international partners to understand and replicate desirable genetic traits in new raspberry varieties.

Chris Rose, Chief Operating Officer of Asplins Producer Organisation Ltd and Chairman of The Raspberry Breeding Consortium said: "We invite businesses worldwide to join the consortium and help shape the future of the raspberry industry. Together, we can harness the power of collective expertise and tackle the challenges facing our sector while driving sustainable growth and success."