New appointments to the AHDB horticulture team

Written by William Kellett

Two new faces will be leading the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) IPM (integrated pest management) and crop health work in Horticulture.

Don Pendergrast is to take up the position of AHDB Head of Crop Health and IPM on November 30, 2020.

Meanwhile, Joe Martin has become AHDB’s senior scientist working on pesticide regulation within the Crop Health and IPM team.

Don is bringing a wealth of crop health experience to the role, including bio-pesticide research, having spent three years at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) as plant health advisor.

He also had two years as head of technical services for UPL, following its acquisition of Arysta, where he had held the same post for three years’ prior.

He will be overseeing a new programme of work on IPM across AHDB’s Cereals and Oilseeds, Potatoes and Horticulture sectors.

Don and team will be focusing on supporting growers to manage pest weed and disease issues as well as developing solutions to manage existing and emerging threats.

Joe is no stranger to AHDB, having been with the organisation for over five years. During this time, Joe has led work on weed research while also managing AHDB’s high profile SCEPTREplus and AMBER projects.

In his new role, Joe will take over leadership of the EAMU programme and its team members.

He will also coordinate AHDB’s work within the field to ensure the availability and efficacy of plant protection products for the horticulture industry, while continuing his SCEPTREplus and AMBER project work.

AHDB research director Susannah Bolton said:

“Both Don and Joe are extremely knowledgeable on crop health and pest management issues. We’re delighted to welcome Don to AHDB and to see Joe continue his excellent work with us.

We want to ensure that our staff members are providing growers with the access they need to the products, biopesticides and application technology and know-how it needs during this challenging time. Through both Don and Joe, this service will continue.

“AHDB would also like to place on record our gratitude to both of our outgoing team members Paul Neve and Bolette Palle Neve for their efforts during their time with us.

“We wish them all the best as they return to the Netherlands to continue their careers.”

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