SAC Strengthens Its Presence in England New Member On The Potato Team

SAC has strengthened its team providing specialist advice for UK potato growers.  Australian agronomist Andrew Powell will be working from SACs new office in York where he will support John Sarup who has already done much to build on SACs reputation amongst potato producers in the north of England.

Born on a farm producing seed potatoes near Ballarat in Victoria Andrew Powell studied at La Trobe University in Melbourne before starting work with the Victorian Seed Potato Association. He later joined an agronomy company and advised some 80 producers on growing potatoes   and other crops.  Since arriving in the UK in 2009 Andrew has been working with Ibbotson Potatoes, who manage the Colton Group, based at Tadcaster, North Yorkshire.

According to John Sarup There is a great deal of scope for the provision of specialist advice to potato growers across the north of England. Andrews appointment increases SACs ability to meet that demand. We have a good name amongst growers in England and Andrews capability and enthusiasm can only enhance that reputation.

Andrew himself is delighted. This is an exciting challenge for me, he said. Potatoes are a global crop and growers can learn from each other. I hope to combine the lessons learned in Australia with the expertise already available within SACs team of specialists led by Dr Stuart Wale. Together we have a lot to offer SAC clients.

One third of Scotlands potato growers use SAC services and all the major industry companies are members of SAC Association of Potato Producers. In the north of England SAC specialists like John Sarup are responsible for over 5,000 acres of potatoes. In addition they offer support to major companies like McCain with advice on new developments and innovation.