The Potato Council has honoured Jim Godfrey with a special award in recognition of his outstanding service to the British potato industry.

Presenting the award at the Branston potato industry dinner, held after this year's Potatoes in Practice event in Dundee, on Thursday (August 7), Potato Council chairman Allan Stevenson paid tribute on behalf of the British potato industry to Mr Godfrey's impressive achievements and contributions.

"Jim Godfrey has been an extraordinary and superb ambassador for the British potato industry. His cv says it all - he has travelled far and wide and worked tirelessly to promote the industry. We all owe him a huge debt for his years of dedicated service and innovation."

Mr Godfrey has for many years been a major player in the potato industry, both as a grower and member of the Potato Marketing Board, SCRI and other bodies. He has also been a member of the farming 'establishment' where his contacts at the political level have ensured a powerful potato voice at high level.

In 2002 he was awarded the OBE for services to agricultural research in Scotland, and in 2006 the World Potato Congress Industry Award for his contribution to the development of the global potato industry.

In December 2007 Mr Godfrey was awarded an honorary degree by Reading University. The degree of Doctor of Science was awarded for his outstanding international reputation in the potato industry and substantial contributions to agriculture and business worldwide.

He is a former chair of the international Potato Centre in Peru (CIP) and former chair of the Alliance Board of the centres supported by the CGIAR (the controlling and funding body of CIP). His move into the international field compounds a tremendous career in serving his industry and is acknowledgement of his achievements.

Mr Godfrey was one of the Chairs at the UN Year of the Potato conference, held also in Dundee the day after Potatoes in Practice (August 8), and organised by SCRI.