The Tomato Growers Association (TGA) has appointed Patrick Harte as its new chairman.
Harte, who is Corneryways Nursery's general manager, replaces Bernard Sparkes, who returns to his retirement. Harte had been working as vice chair of the body to Sparkes, who had replaced Nigel Bartle just over a year ago.
Adrian Williams, of Bakkavor, who had been on the TGA board, has been promoted to vice chair.
Harte said: 'I am very fortunate to be taking over chairmanship for the association from Bernard at a very exciting time. Under Bernard’s stewardship the TGA has built a great platform for the next few years; Bernard worked tirelessly on behalf of members, and on behalf of the associatio,n I wanted to publically say thank you for his leadership and dedication during his tenure. I really enjoyed working as vice chair, and am delighted to be taking over as chairman.'
It was decided that the time was right to do the handover at the last TGA board meeting in March.
Meanwhile, Mark Arnold from Wight Salads and Richard Diplock from Thanet Earth have been brought onto the board to assist with TGA promotional projects.
