The British Growers Association has appointed Jason Burgess as its chairman.
Burgess is a director of fruit & veg supplier Produce World, and takes over from G’s Growers MD Nick Douglas as chairman.
He has spent a number of years on the BGA board, most recently in the role of vice chairman of the body. The appointment comes as the BGA looks to expand its range of services and industry support.
“It is incredibly helpful to have someone of Jason’s experience, ability and standing in the sector to lead the board of the BGA,” said CEO Jack Ward.
“As the industry gears up to approach the uncertain future following Brexit, it opens up opportunities and challenges in equal measure. Our role is to support the sector, maximise the opportunities and meet the challenges. The board plays a critical role in guiding and directing the executive team to provide the right services and maintain its relevance.”
Burgess said: “It’s an interesting time to take on my new role. There are a number of challenges ahead including the supply of labour, changes with agricultural support and the way the industry is structured in terms of research and development.
“I think it’s very important at this time that we make sure Horticulture is fairly represented for political lobbying and that we understand both sides of the equation for the growers and the implications of politics changes going forwards around Brexit.”
The BGA has 24 groups under its umbrella, including producer organisations, marketing groups and crop associations.
It comes at an uncertain time for the fruit and veg sector in the face of concerns over access to labour after Brexit, and follows the publication of a survey by the FDF this week which revealed that EU nationals working in almost half (47%) of the UK’s food and drink businesses were contemplating leaving because of Brexit.
The FDF has warned this would cause lasting economic damage. More than a third (36%) of businesses said they would become unviable without access to EU workers.
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