Former tomato grower Bernard Sparkes will replace Nigel Bartle as the new chairman of the Tomato Growers' Association (TGA), it has been announced.
Sparkes, who will hold the position for a period of 12 months, was named following a unanimous vote by the TGA board. His aim is to continue Bartle's work in placing a greater empasis on technical issues, as well as providing support for promotional activities and delivering the industry's annual conference.
He previously worked at Bakkavor-owned salad producer, Melrow Salads, before retiring in 2012.
'Bernard is a highly respected and knowledgeable member of our industry; he will provide the TGA with a first class spokesperson and help ensure our Association’s successful future,' a statement from the TGA said.
The TGA has undergone a strategic shift in direction over the last year, which has seen it place greater focus on the technical side of the industry, As part of this, for the first time, the TGA has also provided direct financial support for a research project looking at the economics of LED production at Stockbridge Technology Centre.
Sparkes will be supported by newly-appointed vice chair and Cornerways Nursery general manager, Patrick Harte, as well as chairman of the TGA technical committee and group development director of APS Salads, Philip Pearson, and his recently-appointed vice chair Roly Holt, of R&L Holt.
He will also work closely with the TGA’s technical officer Phil Morley and secretary Julie Woolley.
No comments yet