Fruit for the Future 2020: all-new and virtual format

“We are delighted to present a new format for Fruit for the Future, which we hope will make it possible for even more people to engage with the latest research and development on soft fruit, and that it can collectively be used as a focal point to meet and interact in a virtual way.”

In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Fruit for the Future – the James Hutton Institute’s long-running soft fruit themed event – is going virtual for 2020, with updates about new research and varieties delivered through online videos over the course of a week, starting on Monday 24^th August.

The event will feature an introduction from Dr Jonathan Snape, head of James Hutton Limited, the Institute's commercial subsidiary, and Peter Thomson, chair of the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) Soft Fruit Committee, followed by updates on each of the soft fruit breeding programmes: raspberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries and the all-new honeyberries.

There will be announcements about new and upcoming soft fruit varieties, plus a virtual Q&A session at the end of the week, offering the chance to interact with fruit breeders.

Dr Jonathan Snape said: “We are delighted to present a new format for Fruit for the Future, which we hope will make it possible for even more people to engage with the latest research and development on soft fruit, and that it can collectively be used as a focal point to meet and interact in a virtual way.”

To register for the event and receive details on how to join the Fruit for the Future 2020 virtual programme, please email events@hutton.ac.uk.