NEWS: Mike Storey wins potato industry honour

19 Dec 2017

Dr Mike Storey has been awarded the John Green Memorial Trophy for his exceptional contribution to the British potato industry.Dr Mike Storey has been awarded the John Green Memorial Trophy for his exceptional contribution to the British potato industry

Head of Resource Management at AHDB, Dr Storey received the award at the annual Cambridge University Potato Growers Research Association (CUPGRA) ‘Potato Barons’ Conference Dinner, in front of an audience that included growers, researchers, processors and retailers from across the industry.

CUPGRA President John Chinn, said “For the past 35 years Mike has been a driving force in research and innovation within our potato industry, initially at the Potato Marketing Board and then through its transformations over the years to AHDB today. The award celebrates his knowledge of the potato crop, his skills in knowledge transfer and his influence and contribution to our industry through the translation of applied science.”

Dr Storey said: “I am delighted with this award, especially as it’s from growers recognising the importance of robust and reliable research and knowledge exchange. I’ve been fortunate to be involved with all sectors of the potato industry and, as a leader, John Green critically questioned the potato research programmes to gain insight and turn findings into practical use. Growers and agronomists need to continue that challenge and continue to innovate.”

The Memorial Trophy is named after CUPGRA founder John Green, who established Greens of Soham with his brother Andrew in 1966 and was a great supporter of potato research. Dr Storey is only the second recipient of the Trophy, which was first awarded in 2014 to former Cambridge University Farms Director Eric Allen.

Notes:

The Cambridge University Potato Growers Research Association (CUPGRA) is a charitable association of potato growers, agronomists, packers, processors and other stakeholders in the supply-chain who value independent, high-quality research. Close involvement with research by NIAB CUF, and its Agronomy Research Group, enables CUPGRA members to transfer new knowledge into practice for commercial advantage. Membership also provides the opportunity to discuss specific needs with experts. NIAB CUF’s Agronomy Research Group relies on grower contact through members days, seminars, overseas study tours and the annual CUPGRA Conference.