A successor is being sought to replace the current chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), with Nicholas Saphir standing down from the role at the end of March 2025.

Saphir’s original three-year term was due to finish in 2023, but was extended by Defra Ministers for another two years.

Saphir commented: “I will leave my role at AHDB with the organisation very much focused on guiding levy payers through what is a significant period of change for agriculture. During my time as chair, AHDB has been through a rigorous process of restructure to ensure the four sectors we represent, Beef and Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork, are receiving high value expertise to help their businesses thrive.

“CEO Graham Wilkinson and his excellent team are committed to supporting levy payers on key issues through industry collaboration, expertise and strong, decisive leadership. Our role is important in offering insight and analysis on the changes both at home and overseas. We play a vital role in promoting and defending the domestic reputation for our produce and maintaining and developing export markets.”

“Our work… will place farmers and land managers where they deserve to be, as heroes not villains.”

He continued: “Our work on environment and sustainable land management, such as our recently launched Baselining pilot and recommendations regarding solutions for farm-level and environmental data, will place farmers and land managers where they deserve to be, as heroes not villains, in the fight against climate change and rebuilding biodiversity.

“I am proud to have been involved in helping the industry as it adapts to the challenges that lie ahead. The amended legislation that governs AHDB now allows us to work with other sectors, which only strengthens the impact we can have to support an industry that is vital to a safe and secure United Kingdom.”

Further information about the role of AHDB chair can be found here.