Seed potato producer handed top accolade

ahdb: Jim Cruickshank’s contribution to sector honoured at St Andrews event

One of the UK’s most well respected seed potato producers has gained recognition for his outstanding contribution to the industry.

Jim Cruickshank OBE was presented with the British Potato Industry accolade during the Seed Industry Event, hosted by AHDB Potatoes, in St Andrews.

“Jim is held in extremely high regard by all of his colleagues in the potato industry, both for his skills as a farmer and his efforts to safeguard the sector through work with industry bodies and researchers on potato health and quality,” said AHDB Potatoes strategy director, Rob Clayton.

“He is an incredibly deserving recipient of the British Potato Industry Award for 2016.”

Brought up on a mixed farm in Aberdeenshire, Mr Cruickshank is the eldest of five siblings – all of whom were keen to pursue a career in farming.

After initially setting out on a different path, completing a degree in mathematics, he made the decision to return to Aberdeen University to continue further studies in agriculture.

Following his graduation in 1977, Mr Cruickshank purchased the 150-acre Meikle Wartle Farm, dedicating 30 acres to seed potato production.

That swiftly increased to 70 acres before burgeoning to 300 acres of early generation seed during the 1990s.

Mr Cruickshank has been involved with a number of wider industry bodies including as vice-chairman of the Potato Marketing Board, a board member of Aberdeen and Northern Marts and chairman of the Pre Basic Growers Association (PBGA).

PBGA secretary Bill Rennie said: “Jim is an outstanding farmer and an innovative one.

“He studies the latest research and development and applies it to his own farm, and he has always been willing to share his knowledge with other growers.”

Taking receipt of the award, Mr Cruickshank said: “I’m aware of the many great people who have won this award before me and I am honoured to be in their company.”

Jim is an outstanding farmer and an innovative one. BILL RENNIE

Jim Cruickshank with his award.