Sophie Throup, previous head of agriculture at Morrisons, has been appointed director general of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
Throup will join NFU after serving as senior director at Myton Food Group since 2023, and brings with her experience in manufacturing, processing and retail.
Previously, Throup was head of agriculture at Morrisons, and her experience in the food supply chain is preceded by a decade in the veterinary sector, as well as time in non-executive and advisory roles. Her experience also includes time at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of the Trade and Agriculture Commission’s development.
Speaking about her appointment, Throup said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the NFU and take this great organisation forward with energy, commitment and a clear vision for its future.
“With our family farming back home in Yorkshire, my roots have always been in agriculture, and I know how important this period of change is for the sector. I am a great believer of strength in unity, something the NFU has at its core, and I’m looking forward to working with and listening to our members to help make a positive difference for farming in England and Wales.”
“She brings with her a wealth of experience in the commercial and animal health sectors alongside a clear passion for farming and food production.”
NFU president Tom Bradshaw stated: “I’d like to welcome Sophie to the NFU and we are delighted with her appointment at this pivotal time for the farming industry. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the commercial and animal health sectors alongside a clear passion for farming and food production. I look forward to working with her to deliver a thriving, vibrant NFU that creates opportunities for our members.
“I’d also like to thank Terry Jones for his dedication to the NFU and its members over the past ten years, and for leading the NFU through one of the most challenging periods for the sector.”
Throup comes from a mixed farm, which produces milk, arable crops and free-range eggs. NFU described her as having a “passion for farming”, and in recent years, Throup led in setting up the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University with Morrisons, the NFU and McDonald’s, which NFU said “aims to help shape research, training and innovative support” to boost sustainable farming.
Throup will take up her position as director general of the NFU on Tuesday 5th May 2026.
