51AVÊÓÆµ

GB Potatoes confirms appointment of Scott Walker as new chief executive

Mr Walker has been confirmed as the chief executive of GB Potatoes on a part-time basis which he will combine with his current role as executive manager of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
Scott Walker has been appointed GB Potatoes new chief executive
Image:

Scott Walker has been appointed GB Potatoes new chief executive

A voluntary potato body has announced the appointment of a new chief executive to lead the organisation on a part-time basis.

GB Potatoes - an organisation created in 2022 after the decline of AHDB Potatoes in early 2021 to tackle problems within the industry - confirmed Scott Walker would be taking on the role of chief executive on October 2 with his experience of working with government bodies, supply chains and food business leaders making him a ‘strong candidate'.

See also: UK Government must bolster efforts to unlock seedÌýpotatoÌýtrade, says union

Mr Walker - former chief executive at NFU Scotland - said he was delighted to be taking on the new role to support the ‘future growth' of the sector.

The organisation said Mr Walker will combine his current role as executive manager of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers with his new position.

See also:ÌýHow UK demand for processedÌýpotatoes is helping drive Belgian investment

Speaking after his appointment, Mr Walker said: "It is important the potato industry has its own strong clear voice and I look forward to making the industry's voice heard.

"GB Potatoes has achieved a lot in its first year and I am eager to use my experience to build on what has already been accomplished.Ìý

See also:ÌýCanary Islands ban BritishÌýpotatoes

"We are here to ensure a viable future for GB potato production.

"For anyone who has been sitting on the fence about joining GB potatoes, I urge them to get on board."

Mark Taylor, chair of GB Potatoes, said Mr Walker would help ‘significantly move' the organisation's agenda forward and build on the work it has already achieved in the last year.

See also: Horticulture sector strategy ditched in favour of 'intervention'

More on Arable

How a high-tech farm is helping the UK take back control of food supply

How a high-tech farm is helping the UK take back control of food supply

Worcestershire-based greenhouse aims to cut imports and boost resilience, while reducing inputs and delivering year-round, locally grown produce amid climate and supply chain pressures

clock 26 April 2026 • 4 min read
Landfill farming: Methane-fuelled dome to trial producing fruit and veg year-round

Landfill farming: Methane-fuelled dome to trial producing fruit and veg year-round

This summer, a revolutionary food growing experiment is about to be trialled on a landfill site in Wiltshire

Michael Wale
clock 25 April 2026 • 3 min read
A new farmer led project launched into nutrient use efficiency

A new farmer led project launched into nutrient use efficiency

Funding through Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust has opened up opportunity for a new nutrient use efficiency project to give farmers more real terms data on their organic manures. James Huyton reports.

clock 23 April 2026 • 2 min read