After a decade as chairman of East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research, Dr Ian Graham-Bryce is to step down with Will Sibley, the current deputy chairman, taking up the reins.
The trust, which champions UK horticultural research, is the country’s largest independent funder of fruit research. It owns and manages the scientific research station in Kent and Bradbourne House at East Malling, as well as the associated conference facilities and 600 acre farm estate, near Maidstone.
The departure of Graham-Bryce after 10 years as chairman, marks the end of his 31 year relationship with the trust and East Malling Research (EMR). He was previously the research station’s director from 1979 to 1986 and then a trustee from 1986 until 2010.
Will Sibley, who is a fruit tree nurseryman based in Essex and a board director of the Horticulture Development Company, is also a former Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. He has been an East Malling Trustee since 1997.
Sibley said: “Ian’s contribution to the trust and the arena of horticultural research through his work with EMR has been immense.
“He leaves us in a secure and stable financial situation, and well placed to continue to provide research funding on the key issues facing growers and the industry in terms of adapting to the challenges of world security and climate change.”
Graham-Bryce said: “Thanks to the trust’s independence we have been able to remain completely focused on championing and supporting the scientific needs of the horticulture industry.
“While as a trust we may be in a stable financial situation, the scientists at EMR could do so much more if there was greater national funding for their work. Now more than ever it is vital that the government recognises the role that science can, and will, play in ensuring our food security and reducing our impact on the environment. In order to tackle these challenges, research must be properly funded.”
The trust has also welcomed two new trustees. Fruit farmer Lord Selbourne has more than 40 years involvement in science, agriculture and education. He is currently vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Science and Technology in Agriculture Group, sits on the Water Group, and has chaired the Fruit Industry Group since 2008.
Lord Selbourne is joined by Professor Mumford, the highly respected entomologist, who heads up the Natural Resource Management Department at Imperial College. The two new arrivals take up their seats on the board following the retirement of Sir Peter Walters after more than 25 years at the trust. Also stepping down is Professor John Prescott, former principal of Wye College and former chairman of the trust’s science committee.
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