News story

Nicholas Saphir reappointed as Chair of the AHDB

Nicholas Saphir has been reappointed as Chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

Nicholas Saphir has been reappointed as Chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) for twelve months. The reappointment will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Appointments to the board of the AHDB are made by Defra Ministers, with the approval of Ministers in the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive.

AHDB Chair, Nicholas Saphir, said:

“I’m delighted to extend my term as Chair of the AHDB at this defining time for UK agriculture. The AHDB has a vital role to play in helping our levy payers meet the challenges that lie ahead. The organisation has been through a radical period of change including delivering better value and more targeted services, which levy payers have highlighted as priorities.

“The recent launch of the new strategies for the Beef & Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors underpin our commitment to listen and deliver. I look forward to leading the next stage of the journey in facing up to the challenges and helping levy payers take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

AHDB Chief Executive, Tim Rycroft, said:

“Nicholas’ agricultural and commercial experience has been invaluable in helping me restructure and re-focus of the AHDB to deliver better value. The AHDB team and I are looking forward to continuing working with him on the next stage of that journey.”

The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be declared. Nicholas has declared that he has not taken part in any significant political activity in the past five years.

Nicholas Saphir biography

Nicholas has a successful record of chairing industry and government bodies in the food and farming sector. This includes being the Chairman of the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Cooperation, Founding Chairman of Food from Britain, President of the Fresh Produce Consortium and Chairman of the Agricultural Forum.

About the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is a statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain to help the industry succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Published 12 December 2022