THE National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB)) has appointed Bill Clark as commercial technical director for NIAB TAG, based at the Cambridge office.

Currently director of the Rothamsted Broom’s Barn Research Centre, near Bury St Edmunds he will take up his new position on March 1.

He will assume a very public role in championing NIAB TAG, increasing its profile across the agricultural industry, as well as exploring and developing opportunities for new business at a national and international level.

“Bill will be a fantastic asset and I’m delighted he’s joining us,” said Dr Tina Barsby, director of NIAB.

“His appointment is part of an ongoing process to attract the very best in UK agriculture to further strengthen our team as we aim to become an unrivalled source of research expertise and technical agronomy services.”

Mr Clark highlighted the opportunities in being part of an organisation that has an international reputation for independence and innovation in applied science.

He said: “The need for innovation in agricultural science has never been greater, with the combined pressures of population growth and climate change demanding a response from the science community to increase crop productivity by tackling the real practical problems

faced every day by farmers and growers.

“NIAB is in a unique position to provide scientific answers to the challenges posed, with its ability to connect plant genetic innovation and progress with good agronomy to ensure that the benefits are realised on farm.”