The Government has appointed Peter Kendall as the new Chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) with effect from 1 April 2014 for a three-year term. Mr Kendall, previously NFU President, will take over the role with AHDB from John Godfrey CBE FCA FRAgS, who stepped down after his term in office at the end of March this year.

This is 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).

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for farming, food and marine environment, 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 Godfrey for all his hard work.”

AHDB Chair, Peter 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 Godfrey 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.”

Mr Kendall will be paid £50,000 per annum on a two days a week basis. Reasonable travel expenses are also paid.