Agri-EPI Centre is delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Hodge in a newly-created role, Head of Crops.

Claire, who joins Agri-EPI from her position as Arable Knowledge Exchange Manager with AHDB, will develop and lead the implementation of the organisation’s strategy for crops (especially high value crops), fruit and vegetables.

Growing our satellite farm network

Claire brings to the role her in-depth knowledge and experience of the crop sector, and wide network connections. Based at Agri-EPI’s Southern Hub in Cranfield, she will work both nationally and internationally and will play an especially important role in expanding the activities of Agri-EPI’s satellite farm network.

After graduating from Newcastle University in 2005 with a degree in Agriculture, Claire worked on farms in New Zealand before joining Greenvale AP in 2006. It was here that she was introduced to the opportunities within the potato industry. Taking on various roles in procurement, trading, agronomy and factory production, she learnt about the challenges of the cycles in potato production.

Innovation in the crop sector

Claire joined the Potato Council, now AHDB, in 2012, working in Scotland with industry, levy payers and key stakeholders to help growers improve farm efficiency. Claire has a passion for travel and learning and has recently completed a Nuffield scholarship which has taken her across the world to look at potato production systems.

Agri-EPI’s Chief Technical Officer, Dr Shamal Mohammed, said: “We are delighted Claire has joined our team. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to lead our work on innovation in the crop sector and to support our satellite farm network, members and partners.”

Claire said: “I am excited to be joining the Agri-EPI team, especially at the moment as the agricultural industry finds ways to find successes through unsettled times.”