One of the main scientific challenges in the coming years will be to guarantee a stable food supply in the face of climate change, environmental degradation and an increasing world population. Key to meeting these challenges is the development of new, stress resistant crop varieties for sustainable growth and production.

Therefore, our mission at PGCI is to conduct excellent research in plant sciences for the improvement of fruit production and quality, to protect the environment, and to benefit consumer health.

PGCI works primarily with apple, pear banana and model plant Arabidopsis, applying cutting edge knowledge and technologies to gain understanding into the control of biological processes necessary for modern and efficient fruit breeding and selection programs. We also provide training in the biosciences, actively follow opportunities for knowledge transfer and innovation to industry, and aim to engage the public and other interested stakeholders in dialogue on issues of scientific interest.