GB Potatoes has named the first cohort of its new Potato Industry Development Programme, with 14 early and mid-career professionals completing the initial phase of training last week (2-4 February).
Delivered in partnership with the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA), the three-part programme responds to a clear gap in structured training for people building careers across the potato supply chain. Its purpose is to equip future industry leaders with a whole system understanding at a time when the sector faces mounting commercial, regulatory and environmental pressures.
During the first phase, participants representing production, agronomy, research, policy, manufacturing, trading and procurement took part in an intensive three-day programme of visits and session with leading businesses across the sector. They engaged with experts at McCain Foods, Branston, AKP and Haith Manufacturing, gaining insight into how quality systems, processing and fresh market requirements, storage, grading, machinery and trading are connected across the supply chain.
GB Potatoes Chair Alex Godfrey said: “The potato industry is made up of many highly skilled people working across a wide and complex supply chain. Since the loss of AHDB’s successful Next Generation Programme, what has been missing is a structured way for new entrants to step back and see how those different parts fit together.
“Working with the BPTA, our aim was to create a programme that takes participants from high-grade seed through to the finished product, showing how each part of the chain functions and connects, helping to develop leaders who can meet the future demands of the industry.
“What has really stood out is the calibre of this first cohort. Their appetite to learn and engage highlights the strength of talent coming through the sector, and we are looking forward to supporting them as they move through the next phases and progress in their careers.”
Participants of the Potato Industry Development Programme are:
- Abbie Maclean, Production Assistant, Meijer Potato UK
- Alexandra Cismas, Production Manager, AKP Ltd
- George Cole, Buyer, RS Cockerill
- Hannah Sadler, Procurement, Fylde Fresh and Fabulous
- Harry Watkins, Fieldsman, Scott & Newman
- Holly Turner, Agronomist, Branston Potatoes
- Jake Caston, R&D Agronomist, Produce Solutions
- James Webster-Rusk, Senior Agribusiness Analyst, The Andersons Centre
- Laura Stevens, Plant Pest Risk Manager, Defra
- Louise Greenhill, Contracts Manager, Agrico UK
- Lucinda Smith, Agronomist
- Mark Robson, Managing Director, HK Timbers
- Megan Singer, Breeding Programme Trials Officer, Cygnet PB
- Tim Allen, Potato Enterprise Manager, Patrick Dean Ltd
Commenting on the experience, Megan Singer, Breeding Programme Trials Officer at Cygnet PB said: “I came away from the England trip feeling energised and inspired, I loved hearing different perspectives from people involved in all parts of the industry. I got a lot out of the discussions and site visits, especially hearing how others are approaching similar challenges and it opened my eyes to different perspectives. I really look forward to getting together again in June gaining and sharing more valuable knowledge with new friends.”
The programme runs throughout 2026. The second phase will take place in Scotland in June, focusing on seed, breeding, plant health and regulation, followed by a final London-based session in November exploring policy, lobbying and industry representation.
For further information, contact Graham Bannister at gb@grahambannister.co.uk.