Mike Baker has won the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Management Award, presented at the Master and Wardens’ Dinner on 8 November.

The award was brought in six years ago to recognise outstanding achievement in progressive and innovative management within the fruit-growing industry.

Baker was manager for Geoff Perry at Court Farm in Much Birch, Herefordshire in the 1990s, and the farm had a reputation as being one of the most productive in the region under his leadership. The farm later became part of Anthony Snell’s operation, with Baker joining Snell’s team and helping maintain AJ & CI Snell’s reputation as a leading and innovative grower.

Master of the Fruiterers, Jane Anderson, said: “The qualities that make Mike Baker an outstanding manager include excellent attention to detail, with all husbandry tasks carried out to the highest standard; spot-on timing, anticipating the impact of changes in the weather; and an excellent general management style leading to a good atmosphere on the farm.

“A really important thing for the industry is that Mike has been able to get the best out of the new high-quality strawberry and raspberry varieties. This is crucial in keeping consumers keen on British-grown berries.”

Topics