HTA’s Ornamentals Management Committee welcomes new appointments

DIDCOT, UK: Following a unanimous vote at its last meeting the HTA’s Ornamentals Management Committee (OMC), the main sector group for UK growers, is pleased to announce the appointments of Richard Hopkins, MD of Fargro and David Higginson, MD of New Leaf Plants.

Established over 75 years ago Fargro is a leading supplier of specialist horticultural products, energy, machinery, finance services and consultancy to commercial growers throughout the UK. Richard is also the Chair of the West Sussex Growers’ Association, which represents horticultural producers in the region with a combined turnover in excess of £1bn.

David Higginson grew up on his parent’s successful tomato and cucumber nursery in the Vale of Evesham during the 70s and 80s and following 10 years in the corporate world of banking, he joined New Leaf Plants as Sales and finance manager. In 2014 he purchased New Leaf and has overseen turnover growth from £300k to over £3m culminating in being voted “Grower of the Year” in 2019. David is passionate about our industry and the benefits it brings, not only to the environment but to consumers.

The HTA has also strengthened its relationship with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Ruth Ashfield, Sector Strategy Director for Horticulture, will attend future OMC meetings to ensure a constructive two-way dialogue.

Martin Emmett, Chair of the OMC, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Richard and David to the Committee. Their passion, knowledge and experience for our sector extends the representation of UK ornamental plant production on the Committee and our collaboration with the AHDB ensures that the R&D needs of our sector will be regularly discussed. I look forward to working with each of them.”