Fifteen young professionals needed to drive potato industry forward

AHDB Potatoes Next Generation programme 2018 applications are now open
AHDB Potatoes Next Generation programme 2018 applications are now open

Fifteen young professionals are being sought to join a programme looking to drive passion into the potato industry.

AHDB is seeking 15 up-and-coming professionals with a passion for driving the potato industry forwards to join the 2018 Next Generation programme, launching in April next year.

The latest wave of recruitment for the successful AHDB initiative was announced at BP2017 (22 and 23 November), the UK’s largest industry event.

The Next Generation programme is in its third year and aims to develop the future leaders of the potato industry.

Applicants are being sought from across the British potato supply chain and successful candidates will take part in a year-long development programme, including business and technical sessions, as well as supply chain visits.

AHDB Potatoes Chair, Sophie Churchill who led the Next Generation panel debate on the future of farming at BP2017, said it is looking for people to learn about the potato sector in its entirety, with focus on the promotion, production and protection.

“The Next Generation programme aims to provide the platform to develop future leaders and give them exposure to areas of our business which they wouldn’t usually have.

“We welcome applications from different job profiles, geographic regions and market sectors, so I would urge anyone who is interested in learning about the potato industry to put themselves forward and apply.”

Emma Kelcher, Technical Manager at Elveden Farms and 2015 graduate from the Next Generation programme, said: “I would encourage anyone to join the programme as it gives you an insight into the full the supply chain and an opportunity to make some great contacts along the way.”

AHDB is inviting candidates to apply by sending a video describing why they should be considered for a place by 31 January 2018.