Accreditation

After having found an interesting variety of apple, MAN has spent much effort identifying it. Sometimes we’re successful, sometimes not. If it turns out to be something not seen or recognized before and the DNA doesn’t match anything else, we get excited. As mentioned under identification page it may something of real interest, perhaps an old long lost variety or perhaps an old tree beloved by grandparents. To ensure these aren’t lost again, MAN is conserving them in its orchards and in collaboration with Duchy of Cornwall, National Trust and F.P. Matthews Ltd.

We are pleased to supply graftwood to members of the public for a modest charge. It will help to embed these varieties into wider distribution. Details of scion availability can be found here.

As a condition of offering such graftwood to the public we have submitted samples, photographs and DNA fingerprint records for accreditation to meetings of the Register of Local Cultivars. On the accreditation panel are members from the National Fruit Collection, Royal Horticultural Society, renowned experts such as Joan Morgan and Liz Copas, and many representatives from regional orchard groups. Further information can be found on the fruitID help web page.

Those varieties that have been accredited to date are listed here; it includes the DNA sample number(s), general comments and literature references about the variety.