Environment minister David Heath MP has praised the “fantastic” research into the impact of climate change on the cultivation of fruit crops undertaken by The University of Reading.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome congratulated the university during a visit to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale Farm in Kent.
The university has been responsible for scientifically curating and maintaining the collection, one of the largest fruit collections in the world, since 2008.
It is home to more than 3,500 varieties of apple, pear, plum, cherry, bush fruit, vine and cobnut and is part of an international programme to ensure there are enough food crops for the future despite climate and environmental change.
Owned and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the collection is recognised both within the UK and internationally as a valuable genetic resource.
Mr Heath said: “It was fantastic to see how one of the largest fruit collections in the world can help protect us against future threats like pests and global climate change.
“The team in Kent and Reading do an excellent job helping make sure we have the right varieties of fruit for generations to come.”
Four years ago the National Trust claimed 60 per cent of England’s orchards had disappeared since the 1950s, and argued if nothing was done crucial habitats for flora and fauna could be wiped out forever.
Dr Matthew Ordidge, the university’s scientific curator of the collection, said: “Our research helps policy makers and commercial growers in tackling the challenges of maintaining sustainable fruit production in the future.
“There is emerging evidence that spring is occurring earlier in the year which is leading to challenging conditions for almost all crops.”