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Mr Clark will assume a very public role in championing NIAB TAG, increasing its profile across the agricultural industry, as well as exploring and developing opportunities for new business at a national and international level.

"Bill will be a fantastic asset and I’m delighted he’s joining us," said Dr Tina Barsby, CEO and Director of NIAB. “His appointment is part of an ongoing process to attract the very best in UK agriculture to further strengthen our team as we aim to become an unrivalled source of research expertise and technical agronomy services.”

Stuart Knight, Director of Crops and Agronomy said: "As NIAB TAG we aim to help every grower achieve the full potential of their crops, now and in the future. Bill's experience and success in delivering practical solutions to the agricultural sector as well as his understanding of our business will be invaluable in supporting this goal."

Speaking about his appointment Mr Clark highlighted the opportunities in being part of an organisation that has an international reputation for independence and innovation in applied science.

"The need for innovation in agricultural science has never been greater – with the combined pressures of population growth and climate change demanding a response from the science community to increase crop productivity by tackling the real practical problems faced every day by farmers and growers. NIAB is in a unique position to provide scientific answers to the challenges posed, with its ability to connect plant genetic innovation and progress with good agronomy to ensure that the benefits are realised on farm.

"The redevelopment of the Cambridge site demonstrates NIAB's investment in new science, and NIAB's emphasis on applied research and knowledge transfer demonstrates real commitment to the industry. I very much look forward to being part of these bold and innovative plans for the future of agricultural research," said Mr Clark.

Mr Clark has extensive experience in research and advisory consultancy in both horticulture and agriculture, is a regular contributor to the farming press, and a frequent speaker at national and international trade conferences. Previous to his role at Broom's Barn, where he co-ordinated Rothamsted's strategic and applied research programme, he led the cereal research programme at ADAS and is well known throughout the industry for his work on fungicide resistance and integrated disease management.