Lessons from Andrew Vincent’s 40 Years in farming

Andrew Vincent, or ‘AV’ is a respected member of the team here at Elsoms, with a profound knowledge of the horticultural industry. With over 40 years of experience in the seed trade, (30 years of which have been spent at Elsoms) Andrew has seen it all when it comes to British farming.

Andrew in our 1994 seed catalogue (Left) and visiting an iceberg trial earlier this year (Right).

Building Generational Relationships with Farmers

“I remember visiting farms where I’d see kids in highchairs at the dinner table,” Andrew says. “Now, those same kids are running the farm, and I’m driving around the fields with them. It’s a testament to how long-term and close our relationships with farmers have been.”

A Legacy of Trust in the Horticultural Industry

Andrew’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of horticultural crops, from “asparagus to zucchini”. Though he primarily focuses on root and salad crops, Andrews longstanding relationships with customers are built on trust and reliability. “We’re often described as a ‘safe pair of hands,’” Andrew notes, emphasising the trust his clients place in him. “If we don’t have the right product, we’ll point them in the right direction or suggest something in the pipeline.”

Commitment to Quality: Elsoms’ Comprehensive Seed Process

At the heart of Andrew’s success is a commitment to exceptional customer service. “We hold stock in the UK, treat seed in the UK, and breed new varieties right here,” he says. This comprehensive in-house process means that Elsoms takes full responsibility for the seed’s quality, providing farmers with consistency and peace of mind. “If there’s ever a problem, nine times out of ten, we have the knowledge and facilites to solve it right here.”

As well breeding our own varieties in parsnip, brassica and herbs, Elsoms also collaborate closely with leading Dutch breeder, Bejo. This ensures that we select the varieties from their extensive portfolio that suit the specific needs of our UK customers.

Adapting to Technological Advances While Facing Climate Change and Labour Shortages

Andrew’s role has allowed him to witness first-hand the dramatic shifts in farming technology. He recalls being part of the early development of the module system for planting, a significant advancement in plant production. Today, the industry is embracing even more advanced technologies like automatic planting machines and robotics. “Innovation over the last 40 years has been staggering,” Despite these technological advances, Andrew is mindful of the challenges ahead, particularly climate change and labour shortages. “We used to have distinct seasons, but now everything is more unpredictable,” he says, noting the impact on farming schedules. Elsoms is at the forefront of addressing these issues, working closely with customers to trial new varieties that can withstand unpredictable weather and accommodate future automation needs.

Innovative Crop Varieties

One of the areas where Andrew has been particularly proud is the innovation in crops like parsnips and sprouting broccoli. “We’ve become a leading supplier, developing varieties with better yield, shape, and less browning,” he says. Elsoms’ work with Bejo on improving mildew tolerance in iceberg lettuce has also been a significant success story too, particularly in the bagging and processing sectors.

Flying the Flag for British Farming

“As one of few independent seed houses, Elsoms is a company that I am proud to work for.”

Elsoms’ deep roots within the British farming community have been a pillar of its success and we owe this to individuals like Andrew, and of course, the support of British farmers. With Andrew on the team, Elsoms continues to provide farmers with the dependable, high-quality seed they need to thrive in an ever-changing industry. Andrew ensures that when you work with Elsoms, you’re not just getting a product. You’re getting the very best the industry has to offer—no excuses, no compromises. Just results.