In his new post, Mr Wilkinson takes on the responsibility for the marketing of Limagrain's highly successful oilseed rape portfolio which has been driven by its trait-loaded offering - bringing valuable traits and characteristics to the market, such as TuYV, Pod Shatter and Stem Health.

Limagrain's hybrid Aurelia, is the UK's most widely sown variety, whilst Ambassador is the number one variety grown in Europe – illustrating the strength of the breeder's UK and European portfolio.

Limagrain is a farmer owned international co-operative group, specialising in both agricultural and horticultural seeds. As the fourth largest breeder and seeds marketing company in the world, it employs 10,000 people with a turnover of more than 2.5 billion euros annually.

Mr Wilkinson worked as a trials officer for Frontier, and latterly NIAB, before joining Limagrain in early 2020.

He has extensive experience of the oilseed rape crop; previously holding the position of arable technical officer for oilseed rape, with the breeder.

"Limagrain's oilseed rape varieties have dominated the UK AHDB Recommended List for several years and continue to do so," says Mr Wilkinson.

"There are obvious challenges for OSR growers around climate and pests, however it's very encouraging to see the progress breeders are making by building further on the trait-stacked approach – which has helped many growers return to oilseed rape, by offering on-farm security through robust genetics."

"We've already started with the introduction of Attica and LG Wagner this year, and I look forward to introducing more varieties in the coming years. Infact, it's a really exciting time to be involved in OSR genetics."