Agrovista UK has announced the appointment of Fokion Chatziavgerinos as tree fruit agronomist to support the year-on-year growth of the company’s highly respected fruit business.
Mr Chatziavgerinos has gained extensive experience in plant disease research after achieving a degree in agronomy at the University of Thessaloniki in Greece and a Master’s degree in plant breeding and plant pathology at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
He moved to the UK six years ago to take up a research assistant post at Sheffield University, monitoring plant disease development using precision techniques. He then joined NIAB EMR where he became involved in several projects including integrated pest management (IPM), precision spraying techniques and fruit tree development.
Mr Chatziavgerinos, who will be based initially in the south east of England, said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join Agrovista, a major player in UK fruit agronomy. For some time I have wanted to develop my career in this sector, applying the knowledge I have acquired in research to practical crop production.
“I will be joining some of the best fruit specialists in the business who have access to a range of extensive services, meaning they can offer growers advice packages that are tailored to their individual business needs.
“UK-produced fruit has a great future as the public becomes increasingly aware of its health benefits. Agrovista is also a leader in IPM, one of my main interests, promoting the sustainability of fruit production while helping to protect the surrounding environment.
“It is a fascinating but challenging time to be entering the fruit production sector, given the political changes that are taking place. But with change comes opportunity, and the chance to help take UK fruit production forward.”
Mark Davies, Agrovista’s head of fruit said: “The fruit team looks forward to working with Fokion and integrating his experience and knowledge into our offer to tree fruit growers.
“We are delighted he has decided to join us at this time. His expertise will be invaluable at a time when new technology and heightened appreciation of IPM is driving the Agrovista fruit business forward across all fruit crops.
“We are always keen to hear from like-minded individuals who wish to develop a career in fruit agronomy, across either tree fruit, soft fruit or vine sectors.”
