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News Releases BCPC Medals for Three Outstanding Contributors to Crop Protection 9 November 2001
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 Professor David Atkinson |
Professor David Atkinson David joined East Malling Research Station in 1969 where he worked for over 15 years on crop root systems, orchard soil management, herbicide use and agronomy. During this period he also acted as an advisor to NFU Soft Fruit committee and its Strawberry Breeding sub-committee, was the joint editor of the classic text "The Herbicide Glyphosate" and took up the role of part-time tutor for the Open University. In 1985 David was appointed Head of the Soil Fertility / Plants Division at the Macaulay Institute conducting research on soil factors influenced crop performance through effects on roots and their associated microorganisms. In 1988, he became Professor of Agriculture at the University of Aberdeen, a joint post with the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC). David's enthusiasm and experience in a wide range of land resources and agricultural subjects ensured a rapid and successful career development at SAC leading to his present position as Vice Principal (Research and Education) and Academic Director. He is a Board member of the SAC Trust, SAC Commercial and an Executive Director on the Main SAC Board. As a result of all role he is the SAC spokesperson on both Organic Agriculture and GM Foods, in both of which he continues to have research interests. His knowledge and standing in the industry has meant he has been invited onto a number of committees such as the DEFRA SAPPIO Link programme management Committee and the Church of Scotland's Society Religion and Technology Committee. He has organised a number of technical conferences for several scientific societies. David's involvement with BCPC began in 1976 when
he presented an invited paper at that years conference. In 1980 he
was the session organiser for the new products session at Brighton.
Since then he has been involved and contributed to a number of BCPC
committees including being the Chairman of the programme committee
for the 1989, 1991 and 1993 Conferences. He remains a member of the
Programme Policy Committee, is Chairman of the Strategic Planning
Group and a member of the Board of Management. Although work takes up a lot of his time, when David does get a few minutes to spare he likes nothing better than to sit back and listen to music and read thrillers. |
 Catherine Knott |
Catharine Knott After a career break to have her two children, Cathy joined Arthur Rickwood EHF before joining the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) in 1975 where she was employed for 25 years. Whilst at PGRO, she was involved in the development
of most of the herbicides for legume crops. Her variety screens showing
the 'reaction to herbicides' have been Cathy campaigned vigorously to encourage manufacturers to maintain registration of products to use on legume crops. Many older active substances will not be supported in the EC review because manufacturers cannot justify the cost of support for minor uses. As a member and latterly chairman, of the BCPC Minor Uses Working Group, she played a vital role in creating the list of requests for 'Essential Uses' which Pesticides Safety Directorate has submitted to the European Commission. If a derogation is granted, use could continue for a while and this will allow time to develop alternatives. As a link between food and farming, Cathy was asked to be a member of the UK Foresight Science and Technology Food and Drink Panel from 1995 to 1998. She then became a steering committee member on the Foresight Seasonal Weather Forecasting for the Food Chain Committee. Since leaving PGRO Cathy has acted as an independent consultant and been retained by Morley Research Centre to advise members on matters relating to pulse crops. When she has some spare time Cathy enjoys helping friends with gardening at their homes in Spain and Provence, France. |
 Ted Southcombe |
Ted Southcombe Ted joined Fisons in 1969 as an agricultural engineer where he built up a wide-ranging knowledge of all types of pesticide application equipment. As well as designing and developing a range of crop sprayers for lease / hire to UK farmers, Ted worked on many research projects involving the application of the company's agricultural and pest control products both in the UK and overseas. As the company FBC merged to form Schering and subsequently AgrEvo, Ted became Head of the Applications Department from which he took early retirement in 1999. Always keen to be involved and impart his knowledge, Ted became active on the BAA Agronomy and Applications Committee as an applications specialist representative for the industry. His applications knowledge was also of value on the BCPC Applications Committee, which he chaired for 15 years. Through the committee he was key in drawing together applications specialists from all parts of the industry, to develop principles and guidelines for pesticide application, including the BCPC Spray and Nozzle Classification System which has now been developed into an international system. Ted has chaired and organised many sprayer related conferences and symposia. He has also written numerous papers, handbooks and reference books dealing with applications, formulations and nozzle selection. His BCPC publications 'Hand-held and Amenity Sprayers Handbook' and the 'Boom and Fruit Sprayers Handbook' along with his 'Get the Best out of your Sprayer' handbook and slides set, are used extensively as the basis for training and certification of all UK pesticide equipment operators. Not wanting to lose touch Ted still actively provides
agrochemical applications guidance and related IT and computing as
an independent consultant. And when he gets some spare time he uses
his design and engineering skills in amateur theatre stage management
and set construction. For further information contact: |
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