Press release

Dr Kemp, who is already well known to the UK wine industry, brings 18 years of international experience - most recently as Principal Scientist in Oenology, the science of wine and wine-making, at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) in Ontario, Canada, and previously in New Zealand and UK posts.

NIAB’s Head of Crop Science and Production Systems Dr Mark Else explained that Dr Kemp’s appointment is hugely exciting for UK viticulture and wine as NIAB, and the sector, will benefit enormously from her wealth of experience and existing links.

NIAB chief executive Professor Mario Caccamo said:

“The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act brings our rules into line with other countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Brazil and Argentina, by taking the products of more precise breeding techniques such as gene editing out of the scope of the restrictive rules applied to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), where those products could have occurred spontaneously in nature or as a result of conventional breeding methods.

Trial results from the Straelen/Cologne-Auweiler Horticultural Test Centre in Germany has shown that the double-cropping raspberry variety is well adapted to local growing conditions, achieving high yields. In 2022, long-cane trials of Malling™ Bella®, planted in late March, started producing fruit in mid-June and kept producing continuously for about seven weeks. The variety achieved a total yield of 8.31 kg/m (4.5 canes/m) or 1.85kg/cane, 17% more than the standard benchmark variety in the trial.

Malling™ Fruits has issued grower guidelines for Malling™ Centenary, its most successful variety that has become the strawberry industry’s standard Junebearer variety.

Bred by the East Malling Strawberry Breeding Club (EMSBC) and released in 2013 to commemorate 100 years of research at NIAB’s East Malling site, Malling™ Centenary replaced the previous standard Elsanta, with its high quality fruit, increased Class 1 percentage and reduced picking costs.

Places are available for a free-to-attend technical webinar featuring the latest research and advice for UK and overseas tree fruit growers and farmers, trade and scientists. Run by NIAB, the Tree Fruit Day event is taking place online on 21st February 2023.

New legislation to be debated by MPs in Parliament on Monday (31 October) could help unlock the UK’s global leadership in plant genetic research, and encourage innovation in agriculture to address the most pressing challenges of today – developing crops that are higher yielding, more nutritious, more resilient to climate change and less reliant on pesticides or fertilisers.

The trials vineyard, at NIAB’s East Malling site in Kent, consists of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 24 rows (60 vines per row), and is available for bespoke trials, technical innovation, independent evaluation and commercial demonstrations. The client base includes companies seeking to develop new products and services for the horticultural industry, including agrochemical manufacturers evaluating new crop protection chemistry for subsequent sale into the viticulture sector.

New research and advice on nutrient delivery, microclimate management, yield prediction systems and pest management all feature in NIAB’s annual Soft Fruit Technical Webinar on 30th November, with places available to book now.

Free and open to all from across the soft fruit industry, the event will be once again held online due to the high levels of interest from UK and international audiences.

Nick Watson, Director of Commercial Services said: “Helen takes over from Linda Maile, who has retired from the role this summer after eight years leading the team and having worked at NIAB in the OSTS for a record-breaking 53 years. We thank Linda for an incredible career at NIAB and wish her the very best for the future.”

A workshop, held at NIAB East Malling in Kent on 26th October 2022, will help fruit growers improve their selection of appropriate wildflower seed mixes as well as wildflower strip establishment and management. Open to all, attendees will also learn about the benefits of wildflowers in fruit production in terms of both pollination and insect pest control.