Pro-Veg takes a keen interest in developing those areas of plant breeding that are not well-supported by the larger seed companies, who can only justify breeding for their largest and most profitable markets.

Several years ago, we embarked on our first major breeding programme, concentrating on breeding tomato with great varieties flavour and desirable plant habits, for home garden use. We quickly realised that there was a need for good disease resistance in this market sector, and over the years have worked closely with the Sarvari Trust to better understand the resistances of our own bred varieties.

To date, three of our own tomato varieties have achieved All-America Selections awards.

We also have a small breeding programme for broad beans where we are working on breeding small fresh-market types.

In addition to this we work closely with our suppliers, undertaking screening trials of breeding material on their behalf.