The East Malling Trust

About

The East Malling Trust (EMT) is a UK-based charitable organisation whose origins lie in the establishment of the East Malling Research Station in 1913. The station was created in response to industry demand—particularly from Kent fruit growers—for scientific solutions to real-world production challenges. Today, EMT is dedicated to advancing horticultural science through long-term investment in research, innovation, and education. As the largest private funder of horticultural research in the UK, the Trust plays a central role in supporting work that underpins the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of the sector, particularly in fruit and plant-based systems.
At its core, EMT’s mission is “to aid and promote UK horticulture research and innovation relevant to the UK and its transfer to industry. We will invest in the East Malling estate, building strong transformative collaborations with horticulture and other relevant research communities, industry and funding bodies.”
Over the years, EMT has contributed to major scientific advances with global impact, from the development of improved fruit varieties and rootstocks to breakthroughs in storage, pest control, and sustainable production systems. These innovations continue to support a sector that contributes billions to the UK economy and plays a vital role in food security and environmental stewardship.
The Trust’s vision is of a thriving and resilient UK horticulture sector, underpinned by world-class research, delivering healthy and nutritious food.
In summary, The East Malling Trust serves as a cornerstone of horticultural research support in the UK. Through sustained investment, strategic partnerships, and a strong focus on high quality science, it enables the development and dissemination of knowledge that strengthens the horticulture industry, benefits growers and consumers, and contributes to wider societal and environmental goals.