David Hutchinson
International Award of Honor, 2009

International President, Regional President, Conference and Tour organizer, Expansion coordinator and regional committee member.

Many years ago David Hutchinson attended his first IPPS conference in Cannington, Somerset. He immediately recognized the openness of members, the potential this had for the advancement of plant production knowledge, and how well the motto “Seek and Share” matched his personal philosophy. He has been a very active member ever since, as a committee member, Regional President, International President, tour organizer and expansion coordinator. As he travels throughout Europe his standard attire is an IPPS sweatshirt. When application forms are received at the GB&I office they have a space asking potential members how they became aware of IPPS, - the name Dave Hutchinson occurs regularly. He will encourage them to attend area meetings and conferences, introduce them to like minded people and get them involved. He has been a genuine friend and valued mentor to generations of propagators and growers. His knowledge and advice has contributed greatly to the success of many nurseries, both large and small.

He joined the GB&I committee in 1988 and continued on it until 2001, by which time he had held a number of important positions, as detailed above. He organized the first IPPS conference in mainland Europe at Angers, France in 1992 with speakers from ten countries and delegates from even more. Two coaches of delegates travelled from England with nursery visits en route. Typical of Dave and his meticulous planning was the way that he drove the route in advance, by car but travelling at coach speed to ensure the busy schedule he proposed was actually achievable. The ten-course banquet in an ancient chateau is still talked about by those that were there.  He worked hard for several years as IPPS European Expansion coordinator, building many contacts by writing to and visiting prominent growers and academics, presenting papers and inviting them to our conferences. Exchange rates and language difficulties presented large obstacles but Dave’s efforts were rewarded with pockets of membership initiated in several countries.

Dave represented GB&I on the International Board and went on to serve with distinction as International President in 2002. Together with Dennis Fordham he organized an intensive tour of Southern England for the International Board, taking in nurseries, gardens and sights of interest from London to Plymouth. They had also organized the International Board pre-conference tour in 1995, travelling from London to Harrogate with equal success.

It is difficult to categorize David Hutchinson’s contributions to successful plant propagation. As one of the leading Horticultural Consultants in the U.K., advising leading growers over a wide area, his professional services are in great demand, but he is always willing to share his knowledge without reward at IPPS area meetings, conferences or workshops. To Dave, seeking and sharing is just a way of life, the only one he knows.

Biography and CV

David Hutchinson was born in Holbeach St.Matthew, a small village in South Lincolnshire, England, a traditional centre for intensive horticultural production. He attended Sir John Gleed Boys School in Spalding until 1956 when he began work on the local nursery of F.B.Hanson.  From 1957 to 1959 he studied at the Isle of Ely College, Wisbech. One of his placements at this time was on the nursery of J. Arthur Bowers, the compost pioneer, which has led to David’s lifetime interest in growing media and current development work with compost tea.

After college he worked for a year for J. T. White and Co., a major bulb and flower nursery, before moving south to work at Fernhurst, the ICI Plant Protection research station. He was there from 1960 to 1965, working with the new products and methods of the period. Chemicals under trial included paraquat and Ambush C. Six-foot vegetable beds were a new idea as were polythene tunnels. From 1965 to 1966 he worked for Parigo Horticultural Co. before joining NAAS as a Horticultural Assistant. NAAS was the government-run National Agricultural Advisory Service. He was based at their office in Winchester, Hampshire where he met Marion, later to become Mrs. Hutchinson. During this time he continued his studies and passed his National Diploma in Horticulture, which allowed him to progress to become an advisor 1969.

NAAS became ADAS, (Agriculture Development and Advisory Service) whilst he was working as an advisor in the Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire area. Dave has seen many changes as he progressed to become Senior Nursery Stock Consultant. ADAS was privatized several years ago, and a service that was previously free to growers became chargeable. Despite this Dave is still in great demand as his advice is highly valued and respected.

He has presented papers at IPPS conferences in three different regions and has made a big impact by his presence on various International tours. Though a modest person he is very out going and generates discussion and knowledge sharing wherever he goes. He takes copious notes and photographs, his questions are always respectful but often incisive and he is a great plantsman.

He has organized grower discussion groups, and was active in the formation of the British Heather Growers Association in 1986. He has helped install quality assurance regimes with several growers, helping them gain BOPP, Eurepgap and ISO 9000 qualifications but what has probably been his most outstanding contribution to horticultural development has been carried on in a much less formal manner. “Hutchtours” are renowned throughout the GB&I region. The first ones were probably when Dave took members of Hampshire Growers discussion group to see other sites in neighboring counties. This developed with visits in all directions and participants from all parts. Some trips take in nurseries and gardens; others have been to trade shows in various European cities, with nursery visits en route. Hotels are chosen by how early they serve breakfast, daylight hours are dedicated to horticulture, as many hours as possible, and darkness hours may offer socializing time for those with stamina. There are several key ingredients to the success of these tours. One is the number of hosts that hold David Hutchinson in such high regard that any friend of his is a friend of theirs and will be made welcome. Another is the thorough preparation that ensures that despite driver regulations and traffic issues everything always goes to plan. Dave’s own energy and enthusiasm is infectious and keeps everyone in a positive mood. Long before networking became fashionable Hutchtours were the catalyst that brought people together, knowledge was shared; lasting friendships were made along with valuable business contacts. Participants finish a tour exhausted but stimulated. They will have identified opportunities to improve their own nurseries and will be looking forward to the next trip.

Personal qualities

Whether he is working as an Adviser with the Managing Director of a large firm or tackling grass roots problems with the propagation squad he has a talent for gathering information, identifying possible causes and suggesting solutions. His genuinely friendly manner and polite, tactful way of offering constructive advice makes him a valuable team member on many nurseries. Because he regularly visits so many nurseries he is well aware of current industry problems and is able to make growers aware in time to nip problems in the bud. He is a regular contributor to ADAS monthly notes, which warn subscribers of seasonal tasks and current pest and disease issues. He works with the Horticultural Development Council (the UK’s grower-levy-funded R&D provider) on some of their projects and because he has good grower contacts he is able to keep the focus on achievable trials that will have genuine benefits. Over the years he has written many leaflets on disease control and crop production; and spoken at countless seminars, open days and workshops.

He is renowned for his enthusiasm and energy. Now in his sixties he still works long days, travels long distances and keeps up communication with contacts worldwide. His dedication to IPPS is still as strong, with a tour to Denmark in the pipeline for summer 2008.

He is a keen photographer and interested in wildlife, but his focus on horticulture leaves little time for hobbies. He has considerably extended his home over the years, undertaking most of the building tasks himself, but progress is slow sometimes because his horticultural commitments always take priority.

David Hutchinson was awarded the G.B. and I. Rosebowl Award in 1995 to recognize his contributions to IPPS and horticulture in our Region. He has continued to give exceptional and distinguished service to our society and our industry worldwide, and is a worthy recipient of the International Award of Honor.