AHDB seeks growers to help shape future variety development
© Tim Scrivener The AHDB is looking for growers and agronomists to join its influential Recommended Lists (RL) crop committees to help shape the future of variety development.
Industry stakeholders are also invited to complete a short survey to review the RL, ensuring it meets the evolving requirements of its users.
See also: University project develops robotic blackgrass weeder
What do the roles entail?
With five committee positions available, members will have the opportunity to select candidate varieties for trial, agree on agronomic and quality definitions for varietal recommendation and propose new varieties to the RL.
During each five-year project phase, a major review of the RL is conducted, with the next review due to commence later this year, making it an exciting time to join the trialling project.
Committee members will consider the findings to ensure that the RL continues to deliver varieties that work for the entire industry.
They meet three times a year, generally in May/June, August/September and November.
The five vacancies are:
- Oilseeds crop committee – one grower and two agronomist vacancies
- Wheat crop committee – one agronomist vacancy
- Barley and oats and other cereals Ccop committee – one agronomist vacancy.
Paul Gosling, who leads the RL at the AHDB, said these opportunities are perfect for people passionate about variety development.
“Not only will the successful candidates help lead the independent and cutting-edge crop variety trials, but they will also play an important role in implementing the findings of the next major review of the RL,” said Mr Gosling.
How to apply
The application deadline is 5 January 2023.
Applications, including a cover letter and CV, should be sent to paul.gosling@ahdb.org.uk.
The cover letter should describe the applicant’s interest in varieties and detail what they believe they can contribute to the RL.
Successful candidates will receive support and reasonable allowances to cover costs during their three-year term.
For further information on the roles and process, please call Paul Gosling on 07817 170 156.
Get your views heard with the RL survey
Growers and agronomists are being invited to complete a short survey to review the AHDB’S Recommended list (RL) to ensure it continues to meet the requirements of its users.
This winter, the first phase of the latest review is taking place in the form of a short 10-minute questionnaire, which is to be completed by 17 February 2023.
This provides a quick and simple way to express your views on the future of the RL. Webinars will also take place between mid-January and mid-February 2023, where users can share their thoughts.
The results will inform the next phase of the review, which involves planning and costing the actions required to improve the RL over the short, medium, and long term.
To take part in the questionnaire, go online to the RL review questionnaire (office.com)
