Former head of the Crop Protection Association Nick von Westenholz has been named as the director of the NFU’s newly-created Brexit Unit.
Von Westenholz’s new role is director of EU Exit and International Trade, as the NFU seeks to “extend its political reach” and maintain a co-ordinated and constant presence in Brexit conversations with government.
NFU director general Terry Jones said: “We have made no secret of our determination to seize the opportunities offered by the forthcoming Brexit deals to ensure that British farming has a profitable and productive future and is able to seize and capitalise on new opportunities.
“In the coming weeks and months ahead it is essential that food and farming is front and centre of any talks about the UK’s relationship with Europe and the rest of the world and I am confident the building blocks being put in place now will ensure the NFU is able to work with the two new Government departments, Exiting the EU and International Trade.
“I am delighted Nick von Westenholz is re-joining the NFU to lead the new and strategically important Brexit team to ensure the voice of farming is at the heart of policy and decision-making in these crucial talks.'
Von Westenholz is a trained barrister and previously worked with the NFU as its head of government affairs.
He said: “While Brexit presents clear challenges to UK farming in the coming years, if we get it right it offers the prospect of an exciting future, both to the benefit of domestic food production and our precious natural environment.”
The NFU is also recruiting a new head of external affairs and two new external affairs managers to strengthen its London presence.
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