Cambridgeshire farmer Tim Breitmeyer today (9 November) becomes President of the CLA, the membership organisation representing 30,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses in England and Wales.

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Mr Breitmeyer succeeds Monmouthshire landowner Ross Murray for the next two years, becoming the 53^rd president in the Association’s 110-year history.

Setting out how he intends to drive Brexit forward for the rural economy, Mr Breitmeyer said:

“We are in an era defining period of change. Exiting the European Union will impact on rural areas more than any other part of the economy. It is an opportunity to do better for farming, for our environment and wider land use and for investment in rural communities. I look forward to leading the Association as we play our role in shaping policy at this crucial time.

“The CLA has never been more important or relevant. I am particularly keen to ensure that we are out talking to farmers, landowners and rural business owners throughout England and Wales. We are their voice and it is vital they are heard so an effective and practical policy is delivered.”

Mr Breitmeyer farms 1,600 acres, growing wheat, spring barley, oil seed rape and sugarbeet, as well as contract-farming a further 3,200 acres. The business also runs a sugarbeet harvesting and delivery operation, rents out 5,500 square foot of office space and has a private shoot.

He served for 18 years in the Grenadier Guards, retiring in 1996, and is a member of Her Majesty’s Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, providing a ceremonial guard for HM The Queen on state occasions.

Mark Bridgeman from Northumberland is appointed Deputy President of the CLA, while Mark Tufnell from Gloucestershire becomes CLA Vice President.

Mr Bridgeman manages the Fallodon Estate in Northumberland. It consists of an in-hand farm, let farms, woodland and biomass, cottages, a tourism venture and housing development.

Mr Tufnell owns and manages a traditional mainly arable estate in the Cotswolds incorporating key conservation measures for wildlife and enhancing biodiversity. He has served on the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England.