Roger Vickers joins PGRO with over 20 years of agricultural experience including technical, commercial and senior management roles in Advanta, Germains and - most recently - Tozer Seeds.

“This is a unique opportunity to manage a research-based company whose reputation for expertise, service, training, and communication with its levy base and related industries is amongst the very best in the UK,” said Mr Vickers. “Working on behalf of the UK pulse and vining pea industry in conjunction with PGRO members and industry experts is a challenge I look forward to.”

PGRO Chairman Stephen Francis stated that the board were delighted with the appointment: “PGRO has evolved enormously in recent years. It is a younger, better organised and more forward looking organisation now, with a clearly defined applied research role in a sector where agronomy skills are crucially important.

“The way the team has handled the major challenges of servicing its farmer members, coupled with providing an R&D service for its trade members in the fast-changing agricultural environment, is a testament to its strength in depth.

“We look forward to Roger leading our team in the future as PGRO continues to deliver existing services and to explore new opportunities for UK legumes.”