Former RHS director general, Andrew Colquhoun, has been appointed as the interim chair of the shadow horticultural levy company.
Defra moved to appoint Colquhoun on a temporary basis, while a replacement is sought for John Hall, who recently resigned citing scrutiny over his past at Needham Growers.
Colquhoun is the current chairman of the National Horticultural Forum and the Horticulture Working Group of SEEDA. His is also a non-executive director of the Natural Environment Research Council.
Defra is re-advertising the position of sector chair from this week, with the closing date for applications for both this and the other sector board positions set for June 11.
HTA director general David Gwyther expressed his delight at Colquhoun’s appointment. “Andrew has substantial knowledge and experience of the horticultural sector and will be able to protect the interests of ornamental producers through this further period of change. We are particularly keen to see full and effective representation of ornamentals on the new Board, noting that ornamentals production represents 40 percent of all UK horticultural production and 10 percent of overall UK land based production,” he said.
Gwyther added that the HTA will be meeting Colquhoun later this week to offering its help in the planning and restructuring process. “This should help to secure the benefits of synergy with Levy Board UK and its other subsidiaries, whilst protecting levy payers funds and ensuring they are focused on improving productivity and dealing with new legislation,” he explained.
No comments yet