Sector panels have a central role in the selection of research and communications projects for funding and in the monitoring of their progress and the HDC is looking for nominations from large and small growers.

"We very much look forward to welcoming further progressive growers to help shape the future of UK horticulture," said Colin Harvey, HDC chairman.

"Clearly it is important to have representation from a cross-section of industry interests. The value and contribution that individuals make to ensure a competitive UK horticulture, is enormous."

There are vacancies on six of the seven panels - soft fruit, protected crops, mushrooms, hardy nursery stock, field vegetables and bulbs & outdoor flowers. As the tree-fruit panel has only recently been established, elections will not take place until 2004. To be eligible to stand for election, a candidate must be a member of the HDC and those panel members who have completed a term of office are also invited to seek nomination. The appointments run for three years from January 2004 and the newly elected representatives will join existing panel members.

Nomination forms are being printed in the next issue of HDC News with additional forms and further information available from Joy Fuller at the HDC. The deadline for nominations is October 31.

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