The government has appointed Peter Kendall as the new chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The appointment, which came into effect from 1 April 2014 for a three-year term. sees the ex-NFU president take over from John Godfrey CBE, who stepped down after his term in office at the end of March this year.

This was a ministerial appointment, made by the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which has been approved by the devolved administrations (Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland).

Farming minister, George Eustice, said: “I welcome Peter Kendall’s appointment as chair of AHDB and look forward to working with him. He has considerable experience of the farming and food industry so is well placed to take AHDB forward. I would like to thank John for all his hard work.”

Kendall, said: “I have for a long time expressed great optimism in the future of British agriculture and I believe AHDB must be central to providing farmers and growers with the tools required to deliver growth over the coming years.

'John and his team have worked hard to drive synergies and reduce administrative costs to levy payers. It is essential that this work continues and a clear vision is communicated to levy payers to earn their support and backing for the important work that will be required to 'grow British agriculture' over the coming years.”

AHDB chief executive, Tom Taylor said: “As a levy board, AHDB performs a unique role providing an independent evidence base to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of UK agriculture and horticulture. Having someone with Peter’s stature, knowledge and passion for the industry will only help strengthen the role that AHDB plays and take the organisation forward, enabling us to address levy payer needs in the years to come.”

Kendall will be paid £50,000 per annum on a two days a week basis.

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