A SEED producer has appointed a new commercial development agronomist. 

Camille Florin will provide technnical support for RAGT Seeds UK's forage, cover crop and amenity seed portfolios. 

Her new role means she is responsible for delivering key variety-specific information to merchant customers. 

Known as a cereals and oilseed breeder, RAGT also has dedicated breeding programmes in France and the Netherlands. 

"It surprises many people when they realise we are involved with lots of partners, within and beyond the RAGT group,” said Camille. 

“For example, Joordens Zaden, a wholly owned subsidiary of RAGT in the Netherlands, breeds and sells forage, soil health and cover crops into the UK via RAGT, and RAGT itself provides forage and amenity grasses to many other companies for use in their mixtures.

“We have much more knowledge of these sectors than many people might think. The aim now is to improve our offering by providing growers with the specific information they need to choose the right varieties for their businesses, based on internal and official trials as appropriate as well as in-field experience.

“Given our extensive plant breeding operations, we have the technical background to deliver this critical information. We can advise which species/varieties fit into various systems, including those that work with different options within the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and provide appropriate agronomy and tailored technical advice so that growers can get the best from them.”

Camille undertook five-year course on agriculture, life sciences and the food chain at Ecole d’Ingenieurs de Purpan in Toulouse. She also did six months of work experience at Joordens Zaden. Working for two more years at Joordens Zaden in sales, she then moved to her new role at RAGT Seeds UK. 

David Ramdhian, RAGT’s head of forage and soil health crops, Northern Europe, added: “I am delighted that Camille has decided to join us at a key time to help us build on the recent success of our multi-species portfolio.

“The creation of this new position clearly demonstrates the importance of these crop sectors to RAGT Seeds UK and underpins our ongoing plans for growth.

“Our forage grass and maize business has made real inroads into the UK market and we are now looking to expand our amenity grass business too.

“At the same time, we are continuing to develop our strong cover/soil health crop portfolio with a particular focus on more technically based demand.

“Camille will work with customers and partners from an early stage to further develop these sectors, while providing the necessary technical back-up to ensure our crops perform to their optimum wherever they are grown.”