§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether DEFRA has researched, or plans to commission research, into the quality of British-grown horticultural produce including its mineral and vitimin content, ranked according to the conditions under which it is grown. [HL4585]
§ Lord WhittyDEFRA currently funds R & D to improve product quality by increasing our understanding of biochemical, molecular and physiological processes that occur during plant development, after harvest and during storage and processing. This research is relevant to UK-grown produce.
The research cuts across all areas of horticulture and includes, in the edible sectors:
identification of novel tomato and lettuce breeding stock with enhanced antioxidant levels;
identification of genetic markers for breeding quality traits into fruit and vegetables, for example, improving colour and flavour in cherries and plums, texture in (conventional and organic) apples and tomatoes and flavour in onions;
improving shelf life of produce, for example, by controlling ripening of fleshy fruit including tomatoes and understanding deterioration in broccoli and salads;
improving the quality of stored produce, for example, in apples and potatoes;
42WAunderstanding of processes that control seed vigour and seedling establishment, for example in onions, carrots and brassicas.
DEFRA also funds a wide range of projects aimed at improving quality of non-edible crops including improving growth conditions and increasing cut flower and pot plant shelf and home-life.
In addition much of the research that the department undertakes to reduce pest and disease damage also improves the quality and physical appearance of produce.