AHDB has welcomed a new recruit to work with potato growers in the east of England. David Wilson has taken on the role of Knowledge Exchange Manager (Potatoes) for East Anglia and the South East.

Wilson will use his experience and knowledge of the potato industry to work with growers on a number of key AHDB initiatives. Having started out as a farm manager and then agronomist, Wilson’s CV includes time spent at leading food manufacturer McCains. He joins AHDB from agrochemical firm Syngenta where he was employed as an area manager and potato specialist.

Wilson said: “Having spent the majority of my career working in and alongside the potato industry, joining AHDB’s Arable Knowledge Exchange Team seemed like a natural progression. I’m looking forward to supporting growers by sharing knowledge, challenging perceptions and providing new ways of working. There are a number of issues facing the industry: regulatory changes mean that we must be more resourceful when it comes to crop protection, while the prevalence of a number of damaging pests and diseases mean that it remains crucial for growers to be open to new ideas.”

Wilson joins AHDB’s the newly-formed Arable Knowledge Exchange (KE) team, following the decision to combine the Potatoes and Cereals & Oilseeds sector teams. The merger brings together expertise and levy payer facing activity across cereals, oilseeds and potatoes.