£1.3m boost for Scottish ‘super berries’

SCOTTISH super berries are set to be on the menu all year round thanks to a cash boost from the UK government.

Funding of £1.3 million has been awarded to three pioneering projects led by the Dundeebased James Hutton Institute and James Hutton Limited to help Scotland’s growers meet the rising demand for homegrown produce.

The projects will use the latest advances in plant genetics to create raspberries and blueberries that are best able to fight off pests and diseases and thrive in Scotland’s cooler climate. It is hoped new strains of superresilient berries will raise yields and extend the growing season, allowing Scottish varieties to replace imports.

The funding was announced as farmers from across Scotland gathered at the Royal Highland Show, now in its 175th year.

It comes from the £70 million Agri-tech Catalyst, which is part of the government’s £160m Agri-tech Strategy. Industry has also invested a further £700,000 in the projects.

“Scottish berries are up there with Scottish beef and lamb as a top-quality UK product, and this research will only enhance our reputation for producing good food both here and abroad,” said UK Environment Secretary Liz Truss.

“These projects demonstrate that by investing in the most cutting-edge techniques and working collaboratively across the UK to raise standards we can boost productivity and help more Scottish and UK producers to compete in international markets.”

Professor Bob Ferrier, director of research impact at the James Hutton Institute, said: “We can help producers grow more robust, disease-resistant soft fruit varieties that are better suited to the UK market and climate.”