The hugely well thought of and recognised British Growers Association is a grower owned, grower led, not for profit umbrella group. They comprise a range of organisations operating in the key UK horticulture industry and fresh produce sectors. Their membership includes Crop Associations, Producer Organisations, marketing groups and professional membership groups. The organisation is run by a Board of Directors drawn from all sectors of the fresh produce industry with a great team running the day to day operations and communications. Their mission is very straight forward - to support their growers to do what they do best. 

Jack Ward is the Group CEO and he has a prestigious background in the sectors having previously held roles such as Regional Director for the NFU, Director for the Oxford Farming Conference, Chairman & Trustee for Nuffield Farming Scholarship, CEO of the City & Guilds Land Based Services before becoming CEO of British Growers in 2014.

As he states “We aim to raise the profile of UK Fresh Produce & horticulture by encouraging a greater understanding of the industry and its importance to the UK economy. The sectors are a major employer, an important source of investment and an integral part of the UK food supply chain. We believe that raising the profile is an ongoing process and our ability to bring together a diverse cross sector of the industry enables us to provide a focal point for the Fresh Produce and horticultural industry.”

With the Monthly Broadcast with Beanstalk, Jack wishes to explore and discuss key elements of the day. First up there is sure to be conversation to be had around the Grower funded R&D in the wake of the AHDB Horticulture ballot and the whole element of immigration and seasonal workers and what will occur in 2021 and beyond.