Niab at East Malling conducts high-quality strategic and applied research in horticultural and land-based sciences, and delivers impact through knowledge, products and services that benefit public and private customers across a wide range of food and non-food business sectors.
With a focus on the horticultural production-to-supply chain, particularly in soft and top fruit, Niab at East Malling tackles the challenges associated with climate change, food security, food chain quality and resource use efficiency, to optimise economic and environmental sustainability in crops. It also specialises in the ecology of pests and pathogens of perennial horticultural and clonal crops and the environmental and biotic factors which affect them.
We offer knowledge and bespoke services across a wide range of activities, including growing media, crop protection and genetic provenance, as well as expert technical support and development activity in crop irrigation, fruit breeding and integrated crop management. Recent developments include large investments in facilities, via the ‘Strength in Places Fund’ which will allow the upgrading of facilities at Niab in East Malling.
Niab staff have skills in molecular genetics, genomics, pest and disease biology and management, crop and post-harvest physiology, agronomy and environmental science that can be applied to a wide range of problems. They use their knowledge of how genetics, environment and management interact to increase quality production and cope with a more variable and changing climate, in ways that are profitable for producers. Niab's research at East Malling also enhances the provision of other ecosystem services, increases the efficiency of resources, resulting in less waste across the food system, and minimises greenhouse gas emissions.
Niab research is delivered through three scientific programmes:
- Genetics and crop improvement
- Pest and pathogen ecology for sustainable crop management
- Resource efficiency for crop production
All programmes work extensively with a network of scientific partnerships and collaborations with leading commercial and research organisations in the UK, Europe and globally. Key to our success is the uptake of science that changes and improves upon current practice. This is achieved through an extensive knowledge exchange programme and through direct services and products delivered to customers.
Niab’s portfolio encompasses projects of different sizes and scope. Customers include: EU, Research Councils UK, Defra, levy boards, commercial companies, and retailers.
If you would like more information on any of Niab's activities at East Malling,
please register interest with the form below and we will contact you
Sign-up form