Raspberry firm to get cash crop

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Scotland's leading plant research centre is a quarter of a million pounds a year better off after threatening legal action against Spanish farmers.

Raspberries from Spain in Scottish supermarkets were found to be a variety developed in Scotland but royalties had not been paid by Spanish farmers.

The Scottish Crop Research Institute, which developed the Glen Lyon berries, approached farmers for an agreement.

The deal will allow the farmers to now access latest research for a fee.

Traditionally, the Glen Lyon variety - developed by the SCRI - had struggled to grow well in Scotland.

However once taken to the Spanish climate, the berry flourished.

'Collaborative relationship'

The SCRI approached farmers in Andalucía after the variety was spotted on sale in UK supermarkets.

It is against Spanish law for farmers not to pay royalties.

The agreement with those farming over 1000 acres now means the SCRI will receive £250,000 annually, while the farmers will be given guidance on how to supply supermarkets with the best berries free of disease.

Some of the UK's biggest supermarket chains were involved in the deal, ensuring that their winter stocks of raspberries come from properly licensed Spanish growers.

Rex Brennan, leader of the soft fruit group at SCRI, said: "Hopefully this is the start of a great, collaborative relationship with the Spanish industry. It may be that their growers can benefit from the new varieties that will come along in future years."

In recent years, sales of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackcurrants have soared.

In the last year, combined sales reached £204m in the UK.