DANIEL Metheringham, head of agriculture for McCain Foods at its Scarborough headquarters, has joined the board of AHDB Potatoes.

His responsibilities include the purchasing of potatoes, setting standards in crop husbandry and ensuring that there is a reliable supply of high quality seed for McCain growers.

Mrf Metheringham said: "My role at McCain is both strategic and hands-on, and I look forward to contributing to AHDB Potatoes through my experience of working as part of a global business, with local collaboration across our supply chain.

"With one of AHDB Potatoes’ strategic aims being to accelerate the productivity of the industry, I look forward to supporting delivery of this, through working closely with potato growing colleagues across the UK, balancing short and long term priorities and supporting the development of platforms for investment and improvement."

He is one of five new members of the board who are replacing former members whose terms of office have come to an end.

Rob Clayton, Strategy Director for AHDB Potatoes, said: "The incoming individuals, particularly when combined with the existing board representatives, give AHDB the benefit of experience and new perspectives from across the sector as well as good geographical coverage from around the levy paying area."