Defra ministers have appointed Emily Norton as the new chair of AHDB, replacing Nicholas Saphir, who is stepping down after more than five years in the role.
Emily, who has 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector, will take on the role for three years from June 1.
She is a partner in an 80ha arable farm in Norfolk and is owner and founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic advisory service for the rural sector. She has previously held several executive roles including Head of Rural Research at Savills UK and was Chair of the Oxford Farming Conference in 2023.
She has extensive board-level experience, with positions at the Soil Association Exchange, the Environmental Markets Board and the Duchy of Lancaster, and is a member of the national policy committee of the Country Land and Business Association, a trustee at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and a member of the Farming Leadership Group of the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission.
She will be supported by Board member Stephen Briggs, who has been appointed as Deputy Chair.
Emily said: “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.”
Leadership
Appointments to the AHDB Board are made by Defra Ministers, with the approval of Ministers in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments.
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.”
Mr Saphir said: “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.”