The second year of the AHDB Potatoes ‘Next Generation’ initiative was launched recently at AHDB Headquarters in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
Successful applicants completed a highly competitive video application process to become one of the final 13 delegates, competing with the most talented and passionate individuals from across the Great British potato supply chain.
Benefitting from the feedback provided by the first group, this year’s delegates invested considerable time networking and getting to know each other over the course of the highly discursive and interactive day.
A short networking session revealed their businesses, roles and personalities alongside outdoor ice-breaker activities to stimulate communication and promote team-working.
In the afternoon, the group engaged in intimate workshops providing snapshots of levy-funded activities arranged around AHDB’s new aligned structure.
AHDB experts in market intelligence, consumer marketing and education, research and innovation, and communications engaged in open and transparent conversations with the group on a range of topics, including how the right science is selected for funding and the generally unseen process of issues and media management.
“It’s been a really positive, engaging start and I’m proud to be part of this likeminded group who are enthusiastic about their future in potatoes,” reflected Edward Backhouse, partner within his family farm located in East Yorkshire predominantly supplying the chip shop sector.
“I went away from AHDB with a much greater understanding of where my levy goes and the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to secure the reputation of our sector.”
In total the group will complete nine comprehensive industry visits over the year, covering a range of industry sectors across multiple regions and with varying focuses to the days.
The Next Generation Programme serves to develop the future leaders of the GB potato industry through exposure to the whole supply chain.