Start of a new chapter for the CPGA
Changes are afoot for the Cucumber and Pepper Growers’ Association (CPGA) – with James Broekhuizen (Anchor Nurseries) stepping down as Chairman after 5 years, we’re delighted to welcome Joe Shepherdson (Agrovista) into the position!
James proactively led the CPGA over a tumultuous few years, representing the industry during challenges such as the Covid pandemic, Brexit and the loss of AHDB Horticulture. He has represented growers’ interests with the NFU, government and supported the industry’s ongoing access to plant protections products through helping early on to establish Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd. With the new inclusion of Pepper growers into the association during his tenure, along with a full rebrand, and refresh to the associations’ support team and newsletter, these are just a few of the accolades the James and the CPGA can be proud of.
Joe has 17 years working in the horticulture industry, with a great deal of experience engaging with growers through his roles with Brinkman UK, Enza Zaden and now Agrovista, and alongside unwavering support of the CPGA in the last few years, he has a lot to offer in his new role as CPGA Chairman. Taking on the baton he hopes to develop the association’s activities and work diligently to support, represent and empower our members to deal with future challenges and embrace opportunities for the industry.
“I very much look forward to building on the CPGA’s successes over the last few years, helping to develop the association’s good work and grower engagement, and leading the way in supporting our members to maintain a thriving and sustainable industry”
The team
Alongside Joe delivering the CPGA’s goals, our little team consists of:
Martin Ellis (Plant Raisers) – long serving and excellent Treasurer.
Ian Bedford (independent consultant) – experienced and respected Technical Officer.
Nat Key – familiar to the industry and a dependable Secretary.
Member-focused strategy
The British horticulture industry is a vibrant and motivated sector, and our focus is to ensure we continue to keep our grower members at the heart of our activity, providing greater delivery, value and visibility. We represent growers’ key concerns and challenges in areas of crop management and plant protection, opportunities for research, cross-sector collaboration, government consultation and more, to make sure their voices and experiences are heard, and improve access to opportunities for business sustainability, development and growth.
As part of this, we have reinvigorated our Monthly Member Newsletter to include the ongoing, essential practical growing updates from our Technical Officer, Ian, and also highlight current agendas, events, research activity and industry news.
Promotional activity
This year we are contributing to the activities of Veg Power to highlight cucumbers and peppers as a delicious, healthy option in our daily diets. Their particular focus on improving the health of children, and inspiring and helping parents to make healthy meals fantastically aligns with the high-quality, tasty, healthy crops our industry produces.
The campaign will be highlighting summer activities including snacks on the go for children, simple salads, and back to school lunchboxes. We’ll be sharing more information soon!
Cucumber and Pepper Conference 2025
Our conference is taking place this year at the Delta Hotel Waltham Abbey on 16th October. We are shifting focus for our annual event to deliver an applied event looking at the key pest and diseases concerns facing cucumber and pepper growers, such as aphid and stinkbug; practical sessions on effective climate management and use of climate computers; and other topics such as the role of growing media in plant health and sourcing CO2.
Mark the date in your diaries. We will be sharing further details soon!