1. How did you start?
I started as the night shift ‘hygiene technician’ (AKA lad!) on a pea harvest team in my late teens and I spent quite a few seasons working in harvesting operations. I experienced a range of roles over the years which gave me a good knowledge base of the industry, however it was the growing stage that really appealed to me. I’ve been in my current position for 8 years at The Green Pea Company which grows over 10,000 hectares of peas through a cooperative of over 250 growers for the Birds Eye brand.
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
No day is the same but in my part time role in peas, I support mainly the financial and internal communications elements of the business representing the strategic issues as opposed to getting hands on in the growing, however I am a key local contact for the operational team and growers as they prepare for the annual harvest. The vining pea industry is particularly unique in the successful use of cooperative structures, which I really love about our sector. Farmers aren’t typically known for working together but our industry is a strong example of collaboration as our 250 growers work together to share the investment in specialist machinery required to harvest peas.
3. How do you like to eat your peas?
With meat pie and chips!
4. Which three people would you invite to your dream dinner party and why?
Freddie Flintoff, Liam Gallagher and Sara Cox – because laughing is healthy!
5. What is your second favourite vegetable? (Obviously peas take the top spot!)
Leek
