Veg trials in jeopardy?

7 February 1997

Veg trials in jeopardy?

PRODUCERS of brassicas, celery, courgettes, lettuce, salad onions and sweetcorn are being consulted by the Horticultural Development Council on NIAB variety trials.

Vegetable growers currently provide substantial support through the HDC levy. NIAB recently requested a significant increase in funding from the current level of £70,000 a year.

The HDC Field Vegetable Panel, which is elected by vegetable growers, has agreed that trials on carrots, parsnips, leeks and bulb onions should continue.

"We are very keen to hear the opinions of as many vegetable producers as possible on whether we should continue funding for the other trials," says Dr Ed Moorhouse, HDC research manager.n