British tomato growers were challenged to open doors to new talent and to help showcase the technical and fast-moving horticultural sector at the Great British Tomato Conference in Kenilworth last month.
Growers heard about initiatives to encourage more young people, from school children to PhD students, to engage with the fresh produce production industry.
Chris Baldwin, operations director at The APS Group’s Europa Nursery in Kent, outlined the importance of educating children about the science of growing and to show them where their food comes from. Chris showcased the STEM programme, Captivate to Cultivate, which was set up to inspire pupils to explore, investigate and discover subjects in a fun and stimulating learning environment away from the constraints of the school curriculum.
Growers also heard from AHDB Horticulture-funded PhD students on their research projects. University of Southampton PhD student Bethan Shaw, working at NIAB EMR, presented ways to enhance control against spotted wing drosophila by exploiting daily rhythms.
Harper Adams University lecturer, Jim Monaghan, gave undergraduates from various universities a flavour of a career in horticulture through summer placements, as part of an AHDB Horticulture-funded fellowship project (CP 087).
“Of the 18 students who took part over the course of the programme, 13 are now working within fresh produce and horticulture commercially or through research,” he enthused.
Phil Pearson, Group Development Director of The APS Group and Chair of the British Tomato Growers' Association Technical Committee, said: “We are faced with a huge challenge in the edibles sector of getting fresh and raw talent into the industry. We need to tackle the image problem of horticulture, as being simply gardening.
“Growers heard of great examples of initiatives across a range of education levels and had an opportunity to talk directly to students about their work and ambitions. This is a call to action for all growers, starting with The APS Group to invest in the next generation.”
For more information:
AHDB
horticulture.ahdb.org.uk
Announcements
Vacancies
- VP Growing Operations
- Head Grower Strawberries, Australia
- Growing Manager for Hydroponic strawberry producer
- Farm Manager Costa Rica
- Regional Sales Manager Fresh Produce
- Head Grower Strawberries, Norway
- Export Trade Manager
- Business Developer - Northern Europe
- Orchard Sector Manager
- Grower
UK: Inspiration is key for next generation of horticulturists
Publication date:
Receive the daily newsletter in your email for free | Click here
Other news in this sector:
- 2023-09-29 Idaho man breaks personal record for catching grapes while juggling
- 2023-09-29 US: "Growers faced a 14% increase in wage rates"
- 2023-09-29 Seed meets Technology visitors 'ready to buy'
- 2023-09-29 Let's get ready for the VertiFarm photo report
- 2023-09-28 US: UF economist to take questions about losses to agriculture industry due to Hurricane Idalia
- 2023-09-28 New Covent Garden Market showing support for British growers
- 2023-09-28 Growers, suppliers, and researchers converge at Vertifarm show
- 2023-09-28 Operators from all over the world to discuss berries
- 2023-09-27 What's happening on the second day of VertiFarm?
- 2023-09-27 25 years of Horti-Consult International: "We're not doing too badly here"
- 2023-09-26 LeafSpec named finalist for round five of $3 Million Grow-NY Global Food and Agriculture Business Competition
- 2023-09-26 Training on microgreen farming
- 2023-09-26 US (VA): Alliances and innovation headline 2nd annual edition of CEA Summit East in Virginia
- 2023-09-25 How to master your hygiene protocols
- 2023-09-25 US: Semifinalists announced for $1 million Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge
- 2023-09-25 New York Produce Show and Conference welcomes floral exhibitors again on December 6
- 2023-09-25 Over 200 visitors during the 'Open Energy Day' at Trias Westland geothermal project
- 2023-09-22 Dutch Chili Fest brought the heat to Eindhoven
- 2023-09-22 'Women in CEA' kicks off at VertiFarm
- 2023-09-22 Photo report: British Tomato Conference
