New Appointments at Stockbridge Technology Centre Research Foundation

Horticultural research specialist Stockbridge Technology Centre Research Foundation (STCRF) has appointed six new directors to its board following the retirement of its founding director, Roger Sayer.

The Selby based centre has appointed Guy Poskitt, managing director of family-owned Yorkshire farming business M.H. Poskitt Ltd; Andrew Burgess, director of agriculture at family-owned Produce World Group; Professor Janet Bambridge OBE, chief executive of Agricultural Technology Organisation for UK Trade and Investment; Colin Frampton, British Protected Ornamentals Association technical committee member; Nigel Bartle, former Chairman of the British Tomato Growers Association and Derek Hargreaves, technical officer of the Cucumber Growers' Association.

The new directors brings the total number of directors of STCRF to 16, in addition to Company Secretary, Graham Ward OBE. Directors of the Research Foundation are selected from industry leaders and represent different areas of horticulture from growers to academia. They use their expertise to shape the future of the leading independent centre of excellence in technology transfer to horticulture and agriculture.

Of the appointments, Graham Ward said: "On behalf of the directors and staff of both STCRF and STC Ltd, I'd like to express our thanks to Roger for sterling work over the years and wish him a happy and healthy retirement."

Mr Poskitt, also chairman of the NFU national horticulture and potatoes board, said: "I'm pleased to have this great opportunity to ensure the horticultural industry is well-protected. It is about making sure the right thing is done for our industry."

Mr Burgess, who sits on the NFU board of horticulture, works closely with customers and agricultural bodies and is a trustee for sustainable agriculture, food and farming organisation, LEAF, said: "I'm very happy to be appointed to the board of STCRF as it has a strong lead for research.

"It is important that research facilities and developments such as STCRF are well managed and deliver the industry's needs well, and at value for money."

Prof Janet Bainbridge OBEhas had a distinguishedcareer in academia, biotechnology and foodscience. She has worked in the NHS, beenthe CEO of a successful university spin-outcompany and has consulted for manybusinesses. She has also advisedbusinesses around the world on scientificpolicy and strategy, and product regulatoryframeworks.

Following a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and work in Holland, Sweden and the Canary Islands, Mr Frampton, son of one ofBritain's outstanding horticulturists, Donald Frampton,founded Donaldson's, formerly Britain's biggest chrysanthemum producer, alongside his brother Alan Frampton in 1987. He now advises on protected strawberry growing.

Mr Bartle started growing plants in his parents back garden in York, selling the produce to teachers at school, bedding plants in spring, through to Tomatoes and cucumbers in summer. After a degree in Horticultural Science at Nottingham University, he has worked throughout the UK and Europe and developed Britain's biggest tomato greenhouse in Norfolk. Now growing crops in East Yorkshire, he is involved in various industry groups.

Mr Hargreaves originally worked as lecturer in horticulture at Askham Bryan College (York) was then appointed as a horticultural adviser for the then Ministry of Agriculture and worked as their national cucumber consultant. Since 1991 Derek has worked as an independent crop consultant and helped set up the Cucumber Growers' Association in 2000. He also sits on the Tomato Growers Association technical committee and is a technical adviser to the HDC protected crops panel. He was awarded the Harlow Carr medal by the RHS for services to the salad crops industry.

Freshgro CEO, Martin Evans has also been appointed to the board of STC Ltd.

Established in 2001, the STCRF is a registered educational charity and carries out research and educational business activities.

Ends

For more information or to arrange an interview with Graham Ward, Guy Poskitt, Andrew Burgess Professor Janet Bainbridge, Colin Frampton, Nigel Bartle or Derek Hargreaves please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on

Direct line: 01430 871360

Mobile: 07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60 marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. For more information about Stockbridge Technology Centre Research Foundation, please call 01757 268275or visithttp://www.stockbridgeonline.co.uk/

2. The complete list of STCRF directors is as follows: