Abstract/Summary

Abstract: Horticultural science research has much to offer by underpinning industrial, environmental and social progress. The Symposium in Horticulture in Europe (SHE08) provided a platform for publicising research progress under six themes: Health, Biotechnology, Environment, Sustainability, Quality Management and Biodiversity. The quality and strength of research in all six areas owes much to investment made by some European governments which perceive horticulture as an engine for economic progress. The discipline has also benefited from research network funding provided by the European Union (EU). The Proceeding of SHE08 reported in this Acta Horticulturae provides researchers with valuable documentary evidence of the research quality achieved from previous funding and a solid backdrop with which greater levels of support can be requested. The origins of SHE08 are described and future events identified.