Protected Crops Panels

These panels consist of representatives elected by levy payers, and where appropriate, independent experts are co-opted to provide technical advice. Invitations are also extended to appropriate trade body representatives.

Protected Edibles

Gary Taylor - knowledge of pepper production
Panel Chairman
Valley Grown Nurseries, Essex
01992 461 093

Becky Turner
Research Manager
HDC

Click here for staff list





Grace Choto
Communications Manager
HDC

Click here for staff list

Elected members representing the interests of growers

Claire Donkin - knowledge of herb production
Lincolnshire Herbs, Lincolnshire
0779 236 4661

Derek Hargreaves - knowledge of cucumber production
Derek Hargreaves Horticultural Consultancy Ltd, East Yorkshire
01482 861 373

John Overvoorde - knowledge of non-edible crops propagation
Delfland Nurseries Ltd, Cambridgeshire
01354 740 553

Geoffrey Smith - knowledge of lettuce and celery production
Mapleton Growers Ltd, Essex
01277 373 246

James Bean - knowledge of propagation (edible and non-edible crops)
Crystal Heart Salad Co. Ltd, East Yorkshire
01430 440 110

Gill Wardell - knowledge of peppers, cucumbers & propagation
Abbey View Produce Ltd, Essex
01992 702 700

Phillip Pearson - knowledge of tomatoes
A. Pearson & Sons, Cheshire
01625 582 166

Robert James - knowledge of tomatoes (co-opted)
Thanet Earth, Kent
01843 844127

Technical & scientific advisors

Steve Adams
Plant Impact, Lancashire
01772 645 168

David Ann
Independent Consultant
01460 234 656

Nigel Paul
Lancaster University, Lancashire
01524 510 208

Rob Jacobson
Rob Jacobson Consultancy Ltd, West Yorkshire
07752 874 162

Courtesy members

A representative from Defra
Defra, London
0207 238 1526

Chris Hartfield
NFU, Stoneleigh
0247 685 8530

To find out more about the roles of HDC Panels click here