Skip to main content
All Posts By

British Growers

LSA 2024 Application Window Opens on 1st September 2023

By Industry News

Attention all aspiring horticulture professionals!

The 6th intake for the Fellowship will be opening for applications on September 1st, 2023.

If you’re looking to develop your career within the horticulture industry, then this is the perfect opportunity for you. The Fellowship is designed to nurture future leaders in the commercial horticulture industry and is supported by some of the industry’s leading organisations, including the National Farmers Union, the British Growers Association, The Horticultural Trades Association and the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

One of the key benefits of the Fellowship is the opportunity to broaden your perspective, create a network, and equip yourself for a future leadership role within the industry. The Managing Agent for the Scheme, Coral Clark, commented, “These are exciting and challenging times for horticulture, and the LSA Fellows will be vital in shaping our sector for the future.”

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should apply for the Fellowship:

1) Increase your understanding of the commercial horticulture industry and the role that trade bodies play in the development of industry strategies.

2) Our two-year scheme increases your knowledge of current research and wider industry issues.

3) Opportunity to attend meetings and study tours across the horticulture sector, covering technical, strategy, and marketing.

4) Chance to experience the entire horticulture industry; from Lettuce production to Hardy Shrub production.

5) You will be awarded a bursary of up to £3,000 which you can draw down on to cover your activities within the scheme.

Lauren Hladun, a 2021 Fellow, had this to say about her experience, “The Fellowship has been a superb opportunity to meet similar like-minded individuals from across all sectors of the industry. Each fellow brings a different set of skills and knowledge to the group, and together we have been able to share experiences and learn from each other, as well as attend various industry meetings, and conferences, and visit business and research facilities throughout the UK which are pivotal to the development of the sector. I would highly recommend the LSA fellowship scheme to any young person who is looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the horticultural industry.” Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to take your career to the next level!

The Fellowship opens for the 2023 intake on the 1st September and closes on the 31st October. Application forms and scheme information can be found on our website www.lsactfellowship.org. For more information, please contact Coral Clark at British Growers on  coral.clark@britishgrowers.org or 01507 602427.

 

Speakers Announced for the III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae

By Company News

Speakers Announced for the III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae

The III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae this week announces several of their speakers.

The III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae is proud to introduce several of their speakers this week. The UK eagerly awaits hosting the global ISHS carrot and Apiaceae gathering and we are pleased to share our engaging program.

The Symposium starts on the 3rd of October and will run over three days. During the first day, delegates will get an insight into one of the largest UK Carrot Production facilities from Huntapac’s Technical Director Stephen Shields. He will also review the challenges and opportunities that exist within the UK carrot sector. Insights into the intricacies of the UK’s carrot retail market will be delivered by Joe Sorrell-Roberts from Kantar, a leading data and insights company.

The Symposium’s Worldwide Production, Marketing & Consumption section will take a global perspective as it addresses carrot marketing and consumption, Daniëlle Bruin, Food and Value Chain manager for Bejo, will lead this discussion. Additional speakers will explore French carrot production, and will evaluate whether cultivation and processing costs are in balance with retail prices.

The Symposium entitled “a taste of things to come” comprises an afternoon looking at the future of the carrot industry; Thomas Beach founder of Autonomous Agri Solutions Ltd will discuss and explain how automation can be used in a practical and commercially viable way for farmers. Looking at barriers to adoption and real-world applications. Islam Abdel-Ariz from RSK ADAS Ltd will highlight opportunities for emissions reduction in carrot production and discuss potential paths for carbon offsetting.

Our Platinum sponsors will give the attendees insight into carrot and parsnip breeding programs, from Floris Marten, Bejo Zaden and Richard Tudor, Elsoms Seeds respectively. These presentations will take into consideration the needs of growers, the processing industry, and the implications of our changing climate.

We have received a diverse selection of scientific papers which currently undergoing the final review by the Scientific Committee. We are eagerly anticipating sharing the paper titles and authors shortly.

As well as the fascinating topics being discussed the event will also host a large trade exhibition and allow plenty of networking opportunities.  Once the formal proceedings of the Symposium are finished each day the planning committee offer a variety of celebratory dinners at venues held around the historic city of York. Full details of the evening activities can be found and booked via the website.

A key event in the UK’s carrot calendar is the annual British Carrot Growers Association Demonstration Day, on Thursday 5th October delegates of the Symposium will visit the event hosted by Huntapac. Carrot and Parsnip varieties are being grown in trial plots in the field near York for the delegates to evaluate. The biggest carrot variety event yet, 2023 160 varieties will be showcased, three times more than previous years.

Cavity spot trials, Fungicide trials and Insecticide trials are just a few of trial plots that will be available to view and evaluate on the day. Biocore Agri, BASF, Bayer CropScience and Agronomy Connection are putting forward their products for the trials and the results are sure to spark some interest in our attendees.

III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae announce their Gold Sponsor

By Company News

III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae announce their Gold Sponsor

The III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae is coming to York, England on Monday 2nd October – Thursday 5th October 2023. The event is hosted by British Growers Ltd and the University of Warwick, on behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Science and is set to be another excellent event. With great excitement the Symposium organisers can announce that Vilmorin Mikado are a Gold event sponsor.

Present on the 5 continents, Vilmorin-Mikado is a unique Franco-Japanese seed company with a long history and strong roots in Europe and Asia. As a pioneer in carrots, Vilmorin-Mikado completes its range with more typologies, colors, and sustainable solutions. Vilmorin-Mikado now offers a full and dynamic range of solutions for all markets of the carrot chain reinforcing its position of world carrot leader.  Vilmorin-Mikado has a team of passionate experts which are close to the customer markets and committed to developing the best innovative varieties to help better nourish people everywhere.

Coral Clark, British Growers Association comments that “Vilmorin-Mikado are a key industry leader, their addition to the event as a Gold Sponsor adds another level of distinction to the Symposium. We look forward to collectively bringing you the prestigious international event.”

The Symposium entitled “a taste of things to come” will involve a series of sessions showcasing the most recent scientific findings and technical advances in the Carrot and Apiaceae community, and will involve scientific, technical and industry speakers from across the global carrot research and growing community.  The event will also host a large trade exhibition and allow plenty of networking opportunities. The evenings will offer a variety of celebratory dinners held at venues around the historic city of York. On Thursday 5th October the Symposium is joining forces with the British Carrot Growers Association and offering delegates a chance to visit the annual Carrot Demonstration Day.

III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae Countdown

By Company News

III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae event countdown

The III International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae is coming to York, England on Monday 2nd October – Thursday 5th October 2023. The event is hosted by British Growers Ltd and the University of Warwick, on behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Science and will build on the excellent precedents set by the two very successful previous Symposia in Poland and France.

“We are so pleased that the UK has 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 Symposium entitled “a taste of things to come taking place at York racecourse will showcase the most recent scientific findings and technical advances in the Carrot and Apiaceae community and will involve scientific, technical and industry speakers from across the global carrot research and growing community.

The Scientific Committee, led by Rosemary Collier of the University of Warwick, has shaped the programme of topics for the two days of seminars. The scientific papers that have been submitted have been assessed by the global members of the scientific committee and are being finalised ahead of the Symposium.

“We have had an excellent array of papers submitted, the research topics ranging from new approaches to crop production and crop protection (pests, diseases and weeds) to crop genetics/genomics and breeding focused on a number of different traits.  There will also be consideration of consumer preferences and impacts on their health. We look forward to presenting these speakers and posters to you at the symposium”

Professor Rosemary Collier, The University of Warwick

Echoing our theme, “a taste of things to come,” the Symposium promises not only intellectual nourishment but also delectable culinary experiences. We are thrilled to present exclusive celebratory dinners at two remarkable locations steeped in York’s history. Our first dinner will be set within the grandeur of The Guildhall, followed by a second evening at the iconic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

In continuation of tradition, our formal proceedings will culminate in a Gala Dinner, a significant highlight from past Symposia. Set against the backdrop of the York Racecourse, the Gala will deliver a memorable evening with an esteemed after-dinner speaker and an exciting awards ceremony.

On the final day of the Symposium, the event is joining forces with the British Carrot Growers Association and offering delegates a chance to visit the annual British Carrot Demonstration Day. The demonstration day showcases new and emerging carrot varieties and agronomy trials, the event is a prime event in the UK carrot grower’s calendar.

Tickets for the 3-day Symposium are available to purchase on our event website.

Already announced as sponsors are Elsom Seeds, Bejo and Vilmorin- Mikado, our fantastic sponsors who are working with our team to create a one-of-a-kind event for the delegates. The event will also host a large trade exhibition and allow plenty of networking opportunities, the list of exhibitors can be found on the event website. If you and your company would be interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the event, please see our website for more details: carrotsymposium.com

British Growers Recruitment

By Company News

We are looking to recruit new part-time data collectors.

This is an opportunity to join our business at an exciting time as we are expanding our operations and putting new collection systems in place.

We provide retail data to the fresh produce sector and this data provides our clients with valuable marketing insights and information.

Data Collectors are the core of our business and the data they obtain enables our clients to remain competitive and successful.

The data collections are carried out in major supermarkets, smaller supermarkets and convenience stores, all over the UK.

Please click here for further details.

British Leafy Salads Demo Day – 21st June 2023

By Events, Company News, Industry News

The British Leafy Salads Association (BLSA) is thrilled to announce the Weeding Demonstration Day, scheduled to take place on the 21st of June 2023 at PDM Produce in Newport, Shropshire. This event aims to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge about efficient weed management techniques in the leafy salads industry.

The Weeding Demonstration Day is made possible by the generous support and sponsorship of Stout Industrial Technology, Agriseed (UK) Ltd, and Planttape. Their commitment to the advancement of weed management in the leafy salads industry is instrumental in making this event a success.
In addition to the main sponsors, the BLSA is delighted to have Oper8 and Edwards Farm Machinery as the Lunch Sponsor, ensuring that attendees will be provided with a delicious meal during the event. Hazera Seeds have also come forward as sponsors of the event booklet, providing attendees with valuable resources and information.

Event Highlights:
Weeding Demonstrations: Industry-leading specialists will showcase the latest advancements in weed management techniques, including innovative machinery, precision technologies, and sustainable practices.

Industry Talk: Brian Antle, from Tanimura & Antle in the US, will address salad trends in America and innovation in producing field scale salad crops, offering valuable insights into global industry perspectives.

Networking Opportunities: Participants can interact with peers, industry professionals, and representatives from various organizations, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices.

Exhibition Area: Leading suppliers, technology providers, and agricultural companies will showcase their latest products, services, and solutions in weed management.

The Weeding Demonstration Day is a must-attend event for farmers, growers, researchers, industry professionals, and anyone involved in the leafy salads sector. By harnessing the latest advancements in weed management, the industry can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the delivery of safe, nutritious, and high-quality leafy salads to consumers.

The event is open to both BLSA members and non-members, with tickets available at £20 for non-members. However, BLSA members can attend free of charge by using a special discount code provided exclusively to them. Furthermore, students can benefit from a discounted ticket price to encourage their participation in this educational and industry-focused event, email admin@britishgrowers.org for your discount code (students will also be asked to provide evidence of their of student ID).

Details of the Event:

Date: 21st June 2023 Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location: PDM Produce, Chadwell Park Farm, GREAT CHATWELL, Newport TF10 9BN

To purchase or register your ticket for the event, click here. Alternatively, contact the BLSA Team at admin@britishgrowers.orgadmin@britishgrowers.org

British Growers Association Announces New Client Partnership with GB Potatoes

By Industry News

Press Release October 2022

British Growers Association Announces New Client Partnership

British Growers Association is delighted to announce GB Potatoes Organisation Ltd has chosen British Growers to assist with setting up this brand-new association. GB Potatoes will be joining 29 other businesses operating across the Fresh Produce Sector which currently make up the British Growers Membership.

GB Potatoes is an industry led collaboration. Their purpose is to bring the whole GB potato industry together and work with existing trade associations and industry bodies as a collective group to promote their sector interests. Created in light of the winding down of AHDB Potatoes, the organisation will look to become the potato industry hub. This will allow the continuation of significant potato industry work, safeguard and harness decades of potato research and data, offer a function to work with reputational and crisis management issues, provide an ability to pre-empt potential industry challenges and look at the ongoing matters that arise as a result of Brexit. GB Potatoes will be a single point of contact for the potato industry.

Lisa Eagles, the Managing Director at British Growers, commented “British Growers is delighted to have aligned itself with a worthy organisation and are pleased that the GB Potatoes objectives associate so closely with British Growers own, namely, to support the safeguarding of the UK horticultural sector. The British Growers provision of shared experience and knowledge of setting up industry groups will allow the organisation to fulfil its own objectives of ensuring the future sustainability of the industry.”

GB Potatoes will be funded via a voluntary membership subscription, which will be owned and controlled by the growers and supply chain, thus establishing an independent organisation with cross industry representation.

Mark Taylor, Inaugural Chairman of GB Potatoes, said “Our launch couldn’t come at a more important time for the GB Potato Industry. Working as a collective group must be the way forward if we are to both understand, and then work through the current turbulent times. Whilst recognising different views from across the industry, I strongly encourage everyone to engage and get involved. The Great British Potato needs to be championed!”

If you would like more information about the organisation, please visit http://www.gb-potatoes.co.uk or alternatively e-mail info@gb-potatoes.co.uk.