Hayley Campbell-Gibbons has been announced as the new chair of the AHDB Horticulture Sector Board, making the 36 year-old the youngest board member in its history.
Campbell-Gibbons, who is the current NFU chiefhorticultural adviser, will start in November this year, saying she will focus on profit margin pressures on growers, labour shortages and crop protection.
The appointment was made jointly by UK ministers in Defra, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland.
Campbell-Gibbons said: “I look forward to helping AHDB make a real difference for UK horticulture and agriculture as we manage our way through Brexit and into a new trading environment, and, in particular, to working with the British horticulture sector as it deals with pressures on margins, challenges around labour availability, and concerns over crop protection.
“I also want to listen to growers, and work with them to identify ways of maximising productivity and fulfilling our potential as a sector.'
AHDB chairman Peter Kendall said: “Hayley is experienced and respected in the industry and is another welcome asset to the AHDB Board at what is a pivotal time for the farming and food sector.”
Campbell-Gibbons brings 15 years' experience in rural affairs to the role, having worked for the NFU and spearheading movements including Catalyst for Change, the Code of Trading Practice for Ornamentals and the NFU’s campaign for a new seasonal agriculture workers' scheme.
The board member and sector chair position receives non-pensionable remuneration of £32,000 per annum, based on a minimum time commitment of 104 days.
