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New centres of excellence for horticulture research in the UK
London, England
March 17, 2004

The first of two agreements which create new centres of excellence for horticulture research in the UK was signed today by Defra Minister Larry Whitty.

Following a restructuring of Horticulture Research International (HRI), from 1 April HRI will operate as two independent organisations - Warwick-HRI, part of the University of Warwick, and East Malling Research in Kent.

Defra is investing over £50million in the new organisations which includes:

* £36.2 million for Warwick-HRI over eight years for research and development

* £1.3 million for Warwick-HRI over five years to maintain the Vegetable Gene Bank at Wellesbourne

* £12.3 million for East Malling Research over six years for research and development.

Lord Whitty today signed an agreement establishing East Malling Research, and will sign the agreement for Warwick HRI on 19 March.

Lord Whitty said:

"This will provide a secure platform for research and development to benefit the UK horticulture industry. HRI can now look forward to a stable future, and concentrate on what it does best - delivering high quality science for the benefit of the horticulture industry and others. The new HRI will be better placed to exploit new opportunities, forge new alliances, and respond to the needs of industry."

Horticulture Research International (HRI) was established in 1990 as a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra. It was based at sites in Wellesbourne in Warwickshire, Kirton in Lancashire, East Malling in Kent, Wye in Kent and Efford in Yorkshire.

A quinquennial review of HRI was carried out in 2002. The report of the review team is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/science/QR_HRI/default.asp

Following the review, Defra ministers decided that HRI should be restructured. Details were announced in July 2003. See http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2003/030714c.htm

A summary of the agreements establishing Warwick HRI and East Malling Research is also available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/science/QR_HRI/default.asp

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