Produce supplier Farmcare has hired former Produce World head of R&D Guy Thallon for the newly-created role of science manager.
The role, which is within the operations team, will see Thallon taking a lead on science and its applications across the business, working closely with universities and research institutions to better connect science and farming with a strong commercial focus.
By integrating science and research into its way of working, Farmcare aims to build resilience and retain its commercial advantage as agriculture faces into challenges from climate change, financial market volatility and agricultural sustainability, the company said.
The creation of this role sees Farmcare become one of a select few agricultural businesses to employ a science manager.
As part of his responsibilities, Thallon will work across the company's 12 sites to link farm managers with on-farm data to understand and improve productivity and value systems.
Thallon formerly worked for six years at Produce World, where his last position was head of research, development and innovation. While at Produce World, he also worked with Cranfield University as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate.
He said: 'Farmcare really attracted me with a reputation for being a progressive, dynamic place to work. From the first time I met the senior leadership team, I was impressed by their outlook and ambition – and so was really keen to be a part of the organisation’s exciting journey.
“What really gets me fired up is Farmcare’s respect and understanding of the world of science, which is just one of the things that makes me think it’s in a great place to realise its ambitions.
‘’My role will help ensure Farmcare’s vision is robust, using the business’ existing great network of knowledge, as well as drawing on external expert research, so we focus on knowledge transfer and can move forward quickly, looking at what the data means in the context of what we’re doing.’’
Farmcare director of operations, Andrew Lazenby, said there’s been an extremely positive reaction from across the business in terms of the value a science manager.
“We’re delighted to welcome Guy on board, as he brings a fresh perspective along with in depth experience,” he said. “By looking at where the areas for development – and opportunities – are, we’re building a business that can thrive.”
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