AHDB has welcomed a new recruit to work with potato growers in the east of England.
David Wilson has taken on the role of knowledge exchange manager for potatoes in East Anglia and the South East.
Having started out as a farm manager and then an agronomist, Wilson’s CV includes time at food manufacturer McCains.
He joins AHDB from agrochemical firm Syngenta where he was employed as an area manager and potato specialist.
“David’s comprehensive experience of the industry means he is well qualified to provide support in a key potato growing region of the UK and familiar with many growers throughout the country,” a spokesperson from the AHDB said.
He joins AHDB’s newly-formed Arable Knowledge Exchange team, following the decision to combine the potatoes and cereals & oilseeds sector teams.
Discussing his new role, Wilson said: “Having spent the majority of my career working in and alongside the potato industry, joining AHDB’s Arable Knowledge Exchange Team seemed like a natural progression.
“I’m looking forward to supporting growers by sharing knowledge, challenging perceptions and providing new ways of working.
“There are a number of issues facing the industry: regulatory changes mean that we must be more resourceful when it comes to crop protection, while the prevalence of a number of damaging pests and diseases mean that it remains crucial for growers to be open to new ideas.”
Wilson will join Dr Bill Watts, who was recently appointed knowledge exchange manager for potatoes in the West Midlands, South West and Wales.
Watts specialises in potato cyst nematode (PCN) control and has been overseeing the presentation of results from AHDB’s strategic farms at events in the west of the UK.
AHDB said the new Arable Knowledge Exchange team of 22 knowledge exchange professionals will be a more coordinated and effective resource for the arable sector, providing joined up events, resources, campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
The team will also provide expertise on areas common to both potatoes and cereals and oilseeds such as soils, rotations, benchmarking and integrated pest management.
Farmers can contact David directly by emailingdavid.wilson@ahdb.org.uk.
