Generic carrots

The UK has won the bid to host the ISHS International Symposium on Carrot and other Apiaceae in 2021.

The third event of its kind will take place in York, close to one of the main carrot-growing areas, and will attract delegates from across the globe. The British Growers Association tendered to host the symposium on behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), with support from Warwick University and Elsoms.

The event will be held over four days, starting on Monday 4 October and finishing on Thursday 7 October 2021. The symposium will involve a series of sessions and seminars held at the York Racecourse, a gala dinner held in the historic York Railway Museum and the opportunity to visit the British Carrot Growers Association and the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Demonstration Day.

The 2021 symposium will bring together the most recent scientific findings and technical advances to the carrot and apiaceae community. The scientific committee, led by Rosemary Collier of Warwick University, will shape the programme of events for the two days of seminars.

“We are very pleased that the UK has been given the opportunity to host this prestigious event, which will be one not to be missed,' said BGA chief executive Jack Ward. 'We will have the platform to showcase the fantastic research that our universities, research organisations and growers are involved in.”

Collier added: 'Our UK symposium will build on the excellent precedents set by the two very successful previous symposia in Poland and France. It’s an exciting opportunity to focus on a family of crops that have a key role in international diets and cuisine and to interact with experts on technical and scientific issues. The historical city of York has many attractions for visitors and is a great venue for the symposium.”

The platinum sponsors of the 2021 symposium will be Elsoms and Bejo.