To have been NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair for the past five years has been nothing less than a privilege.
During my previous four years as vice chair, there were so many things going wrong, so many sectors were having a difficult time and questioning their self worth. After years of heavy-handedness by the supply chain and bled dry by the retailers, the industry lacked confidence.
When elected chair in 2009, the youngest and first female national chairman in the history of the NFU, I was determined to be upbeat about our world-class British growers. With strong support from members I was unanimously re-elected in 2012. I had particularly wanted to see the NFU and our members through some ‘unfinished business’, including the Groceries Supply Code of Practice and its adjudicator, and abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the board to obtain the best possible outcomes for the industry over issues such as European regulations on pesticides, last year’s Catalyst for Change campaign and the potential for improved formal supply chain commitments in the future. I’ve also had a few ‘food scare’ stories to deal with, and more presently the ridiculous CAP three-crop greening criteria, which makes absolutely no sense and is utter madness for our sector. But to quote Vivian Greene: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass... it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
I have always tried to be outspoken and direct where I’ve felt it necessary, but I hope I generally managed to do this while retaining the respect of the political establishment and the food chain. My aim has always been to improve government’s understanding of the sector and the political climate for growers, to shine a light on supply chain relationships, and to promote horticulture as part of the solution to domestic and global food and environmental problems.
I shall miss all the regular contact with the many industry friends I’ve made along the way, many of whom I’m sure I will take with me into the next chapter in my life. It’s now time to take on more of the day-to-day management of our family farm alongside my brother Richard, allowing my father time away from the business, and to learn new things with my young son Oscar.
I leave the board and the NFU Horticulture and Potatoes team in a strong position and would like to wish the newly elected chairman every success.
The time is right for fresh eyes, expertise and enthusiasm to again take the industry forward. If I can pass on just one thing I’ve learned from my 10 years in ‘politics’, it’s that bureaucrats who offer to cut red tape do so lengthwise!
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