As I approach retirement after nearly 54 years working in British horticulture, I believe it to be a fantastic industry offering immense opportunities and job satisfaction.
I have been fortunate to be involved in many crops. I started work in the market-garden section of Reading University Horticultural Station, going on to Oaklands College, working for five years in cut flowers and pot plants at Sussex Nurseries, before moving to Wye College managing the commercial horticulture department with glasshouse, fruit and vegetable crops, pick-your-own and farm shop. In 1984 I moved to Lancashire to grow tomatoes.
Including the ornamental, recreational and amenity sectors, we have a huge industry that really does touch everybody’s life in so many ways - not only putting food on the table but also enhancing the very environment in which we all live.
One of the most satisfying parts of the job has been dealing with people - from colleagues to customers and suppliers. Being involved with research workers - now due to government cuts becoming a rare breed - has always been very stimulating. Discussions with other growers and researchers on a nursery visit with the Tomato Working Party was always well worth the long drive home - and how those meetings helped us growers drive yields and efficiencies.
My advice to the next generation would be: get involved with crop associations and the like - give something back.
I have been fortunate to work with some of the best growers in the world, and I quickly learned that while the genetic traits of a variety are of paramount importance, equally the ability of the grower to do that bit extra in environmental control and agronomic tweaking are just as important.
For the future, the biggest challenge will be for our customers to survive the high street credit crisis - which is lasting longer than many anticipated and is affected by issues outside our control.
Our customers have to adapt to challenges - we must be there to help them in the decision-making process to protect our interests.
However, we must also protect our core business, keeping overheads, costs and waste under control. Never stop innovating - impress on everyone that to be successful everyone in the business has to believe in innovation and NPD.
Still continue to visit others and centres of excellence - remember, “travel is the cheapest form of R&D”.
Look after our primary producers - the growers. After all, without them we have no products! -
