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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'.

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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.

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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. 

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"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.

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