Seed Producer Jim Cruickshank receives the British Potato Industry Award

Jim Cruickshank OBE, one of the most well respected seed producers in the UK, is this year’s winner of the British Potato Industry Award, organised by AHDB Potatoes.

Presented to individuals for their outstanding contribution to the industry, Jim is the 20th winner of this prestigious honour.

Announcing the winner at this year’s Seed Industry Event in St Andrew’s, AHDB Potatoes Strategy Director, Rob Clayton, said he was sure that no one in the sector would be surprised about this year’s winner.

Rob Clayton, AHDB Potatoes Strategy Director:

“I expect the only surprising thing is that it didn’t happen sooner. Jim Cruickshank 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.”

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

Jim was brought up on a mixed farm in Aberdeenshire, the eldest of five siblings, all of whom were keen to pursue a career in agriculture. However Jim initially had a rather different plan, completing a degree in maths before having change of heart and returning to university to study agriculture.

After he graduated in 1977 Jim purchased a 150 acre farm with 30 acres dedicated to seed potatoes. After a few years that increased to 70 acres and since the 1990s he has been growing 250-300 acres of early generation seed. He produces seed for further multiplication by other commercial producers and believes it’s his relationship with his customers which is key to his success.

Jim Cruickshank:

“I have always tried to listen to my customers, and be really open with them, because if we understand each other’s requirements and difficulties we can work far better together. If our customers aren’t profitable then we won’t be either, so it makes sense to ensure they get what they need from us.”

“That is one thing I have learned from my time sitting on various industry bodies, I have really developed my understanding of the whole supply chain, which is crucial as just one weak link can make everyone else vulnerable.”

While it took a little persuasion to originally get Jim involved with wider industry bodies like the Potato Council, he soon saw the benefit and over the course of his career has been Vice Chairman of the Potato Marketing Board, board member of Aberdeen and Northern Marts and Chairman of the Pre Basic Growers Association, to name but a few.

Jim Cruickshank:

“I would really encourage other people in the sector to work with industry bodies.”

“You get off farm, meet lots of other growers and processors and you see your business from an outsider’s perspective, which is really important.”

Jim has also been closely involved with the industry’s research agenda over the last four decades, with a particular focus on crop health.

Jim Cruickshank:

“I’ve always said the three most important things for a seed potato grower are health, health and health. It is vital to maintaining the quality of our product which is why I have worked with different groups to identify problem areas and ways of keeping disease levels down.”

For Bill Rennie, secretary of the Pre Basic Growers Association, Jim’s dedication to research is one of the many reason he is ideal candidate for the industry award.

Bill Rennie, secretary of the Pre Basic Growers Association:

“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.”

“He also welcomes visitors from around the world who are keen to see his high quality business operation in action; his farm has long been an important showcase promoting high quality UK seed.”

Even the most energetic of potato growers eventually turn their attention to succession planning and Jim is now working side by side with his eldest daughter Sarah. Like her dad Sarah originally pursued a rather different career path, spending 14 years as an oboeist, but she too has been won over by the potato world.

Her dad says that he’ll be encouraging her to make the most of the natural environment on the farm and surrounding area to maximise its potential to grow the best high grade seed possible.

Jim is incredibly passionate when he talks about the potato industry, about research, about crop health, about anything to do with farming, but like so many others, he is less comfortable talking about himself.

He sums up his reaction to his award with a handful of heartfelt words: “I’m aware of the many great people who have won this award before me, and I am honoured to be in their company.”