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SAC Strengthens Its Presence In England - New Member On The Potato Team

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N09
Published: 10 Feb 2010

Andrew Powell (opens in new window)

SAC has strengthened its team providing specialist advice for UK potato growers. Australian agronomist Andrew Powell will be working from SAC’s new office in York where he will support John Sarup who has already done much to build on SAC’s 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.  Andrew’s appointment increases SAC’s ability to meet that demand.  We have a good name amongst growers in England and Andrew’s 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 SAC’s team of specialists led by Dr Stuart Wale. Together we have a lot to offer SAC clients.”

One third of Scotland’s potato growers use SAC services and all the major industry companies are members of the 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.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Dr Stuart Wale
Team Leader
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate,
Aberdeen
AB21 9YA
TelWork 01224 711213

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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