September 2020

The UK has successfully won the bid to host the ISHS International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae in 2021.

The third event of its kind will take place in the historic city of York, close to one of the main carrot growing areas, and will attract delegates from across the globe. British Growers Association tendered to host the Symposium on behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), with support from Warwick University and Elsoms.

“We are very pleased that the UK has been given the opportunity to host this prestigious event, the event will be one not to be missed. We will have the platform to showcase the fantastic research that our Universities, Research Organisations and growers are involved in”

Jack Ward, CEO British Growers Association

The event will be held over 4 days, starting on Monday 4th October and finishing on Thursday 7th October 2021. The Symposium will involve a series of symposium sessions and seminars held at the York Racecourse, a Gala dinner held in the historic York Railway Museum and the opportunity to visit the British Carrot Growers Association and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Demonstration Day.

The 2021 Symposium will bring together the most recent scientific findings and technical advances to the Carrot and Apiaceae community. The Scientific Committee, led by Rosemary Collier of Warwick University, will shape the programme of events for the 2 days of seminars.

“Our UK Symposium will build on the excellent precedents set by the two very successful previous Symposia in Poland and France.  It’s an exciting opportunity to focus on a family of crops that have a key role in international diets and cuisine and to interact with experts on technical and scientific issues.  The historical city of York has many attractions for visitors and is a great venue for the Symposium.”

Professor Rosemary Collier, Warwick University

British Growers are pleased to announce that the platinum symposium sponsors of the 2021 Symposium will be Elsoms and Bejo.

“Elsoms and Bejo are delighted to be the lead sponsors of the 3rd International Apiaceae (carrot) symposium and we are thrilled that it is being held in the UK. This event is a great opportunity for all those involved in these crops to meet up, network and hear about activities, both practical, near market, and, more strategic and far reaching, from around the world.

The UK is a fantastic place to hold this event. High product specifications and the year-round supply demands from the market place ensure that crop quality is key with production being driven by technology in the field and packhouse: UK producers are amongst the leaders in the world. The UK also has a strong voice in horticulture science and technology, with internationally recognised research institutes such as Warwick University, the internationally renowned Wellesbourne genetics resources and the plethora of outstanding UK research establishments, all of whom contribute to adoption of sciences into the industry for its continued success”

Robin Wood, Deputy Chairman, Elsoms

The Symposium visitors will have the opportunity to visit the British Carrot Growers Association and AHDB Demonstration Day. A long running successful event that showcases the best in new varieties from the UK and across the world.

Despite the current restrictions in the UK surround covid-19, the 2021 symposium at this stage is still going ahead. Sponsorship and Exhibition opportunities are available on the website or by emailing Info@carrotsymposium.com. Ticket sales will be available from the website www.carrotsymposium.com. To find out more, please contact the British Growers office on 01507 602427 or Info@carrotsymposium.com

COVID Winter Response Guidance for Food, Horticulture and Agriculture

Information on the next phase of the COVID 19 pandemic is starting to emerge and there is every indication that the autumn and winter could be as challenging as the last 6 months.

British Growers has agreed to join a collaboration of retailers, suppliers and industry experts to work with government and public health officials to provide information and guidance for growers about managing the COVID 19 pandemic through the autumn and winter. The project will deliver free access to pragmatic guidance, tools, webinars and regular updates through the winter period.

This initiative is designed to complement the latest government information by providing practical step by step information on how businesses can manage different situations by sharing real life experiences, policies and procedures and by signposting to relevant information and guidance.

The guidance will take businesses through the practical steps needed to comply with the government and public health guidance and to manage:

• COVID on a day to day basis at the site level
• Virus outbreaks
• Track & Trace (as per devolved governments)
• Serious illness and death of workers from COVID on site
• Managing Return to Work
• All regulatory bodies relevant – HSE, PHE, PHW, PHS, PHNI, Directors of Public Health, Local Council Teams in Public Health, Track and Trace (as per devolved governments)
• Engagement with customers
• Direct feedback from workers on their perspective on the COVID crisis and working through the crisis

There will be a special COVID 19 Winter Response event for growers, farmers and packhouses on 16th September 2020 – 11am – 1pm. To participate in the event please follow this link.