Michael Seals has been appointed as the Chair of the new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE), Agriculture and Food Minister Jim Paice announced today.

Mr Seals is a livestock and arable farmer who was responsible for the establishment of the National Fallen Stock Company. He served as a member of a sub group of the Responsibility and Cost Sharing Advisory Group and has held a number of chair and committee positions, including within the NFU.

Welcoming this appointment, Mr Paice said, “This is a completely new way of working, giving real influence those who are doing the work on the ground. We need a strong Chair of the AHWBE for it to work successfully, and I welcome this first crucial step in putting in place the new structures needed to help us work more closely with industry and stakeholders.

“Michael’s appointment puts us in a strong position to face the challenges of delivering high standards of animal health and welfare in England and the competitiveness of our industry. I look forward to working with him.”

The Animal Health and Welfare Board for England will bring experts including farmers, veterinarians, welfare experts and others from outside Government together with the Chief Veterinary Officer and civil servants to make direct policy recommendations on policy affecting the health and welfare of all kept animals such as farm animals, horses and pets.

The AHWBE will hold its first meeting towards the end of 2011. Michael Seals will form part of the selection panel for other external board members who are expected to be appointed in October.