Ministers from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have appointed Emily Norton as the new chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Norton has 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector, and will take on the role for three years from 1st June 2025. She will succeed Nicholas Saphir, who is stepping down after more than five years in the role.

She is a partner on an 80ha arable farm in Norfolk and is the owner and founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic advisory service for the rural sector.

Previously, Norton has held executive roles at Savills UK and the 2023 Oxford Farming Conference, and she has acquired board-level experience from her time at the Soil Association Exchange, the Environmental Markets Board and the Duchy of Lancaster.

Norton will be supported by AHDB board member Stephen Briggs, who was appointed deputy chair. The appointments were made by Defra Ministers with the approval of Ministers in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments.

Nicholas Saphir steps down

Outgoing AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir stated: “I have served as AHDB chair for the last five years during which time it has been an honour and a pleasure to have worked with some amazingly dedicated and knowledgeable board members and staff. Together we have delivered a significant change in the way in which AHDB serves our levy payers.

“I leave AHDB, the board and team well positioned to play their part in providing ‘the key that unlocks the future of British agriculture’. I’m delighted that Emily Norton will be stepping into the role as chair of AHDB. Emily brings a wealth of experience through her background in running a family farming business as well as her work as a highly respected strategic and policy advisor.”

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “Emily Norton’s leadership and extensive experience in a diverse range of sectors will bring fresh perspective and strategic insight to AHDB. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to champion our world-class farmers and food producers – driving rural economic growth and strengthening food security. I would also like to express my gratitude to Nicholas Saphir for his dedication, drive and expertise throughout his tenure.”

Emily Norton, new AHDB chair, commented: “I am proud to take on the role of chair at such a pivotal time for British agriculture.

“My professional focus has always been on strengthening the resilience, sustainability and prosperity of the UK’s food and farming sectors. I look forward to working with stakeholders across the industry to deliver on that mission as part of the AHDB.”