Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) – the voice of UK agri-supply businesses – has elected a new-look board with the election of new Chairs to each of its sector committees at a critical time for the industry.

With over 230 agri-supply industry Members, the trade association represents the interests of modern commercial agriculture and horticulture to policy advisers and makers.

The election took place at the AIC's AGM in October, seeing new post holders elected for the Feed, Arable Marketing, Crop Protection & Agronomy, Fertiliser, and Seed Sector Boards.

Collectively, they represent the immense breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise that makes the agri-supply industry so valuable to UK agriculture and horticulture. The newly elected Chairs of each sector are:

• Feed Sector Chair – Joanne Gatcliffe, Technical & Quality Director, AB Agri Ltd
  • Joanne Gatcliffe said: "It is a pleasure to be Feed Committee Chair at this key time for our industry. I know that our Members are concerned about the far-reaching repercussions of the energy crisis and ongoing market volatility. I will work with the AIC team to ensure that their concerns and requests are heard by key policy makers."

• Arable Marketing Sector Chair – Jonathan Lane, Trading Director, ADM Agriculture Ltd
  • Jonathan Lane said: "I'm delighted to be elected as Arable Marketing Committee chair. AIC's knowledge and strong position within the industry gives Members right across the United Kingdom a crucial means to make our voice heard. I want to focus on providing an opportunity for our industry to address its educational requirements, while also promoting better understanding of the arable trading sector with other industry bodies."

• Crop Protection and Agronomy Sector Chair - Richard Hopkins, Managing Director, Fargro
  • Richard Hopkins said: "This is a pivotal moment in agriculture and horticulture crop protection, and I'm honoured to be able to represent our industry and work with the superb AIC team. UK farmers and growers face enormous challenges but are fundamental to our nation's food security. To do this, it is imperative that we have access to sustainable and effective plant protection solutions."

• Fertiliser Sector Chair – Max Winkler, Executive Chairman, OMEX Agriculture Ltd
  • Max Winkler said: "I am pleased to be elected to the role of Fertiliser Committee chair. As our sector continues to battle the headwinds of an unpredictable market, I will work hard to represent Members' interests and look forward to working closely with the expert team at the AIC in this regard."

• Seeds Sector Chair – Tom Nickerson, Head of Seed, Agrovista
  • Tom Nickerson said: "It's a pleasure to represent the seed sector as we navigate major challenges and opportunities. Our Members face significant pressures, with the energy crisis and climate change representing a dual threat to the production and supply of quality seed. I'll be working closely with the AIC's experts to tackle these issues and promote the excellent work of our sector on sustainability and food security."

Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive of AIC, said: "I welcome each of our new sector board chairs to their roles and look forward to working together to promote the agri-supply industry as a key part of modern sustainable commercial agriculture.

"I would like to thank our outgoing chairs for their hard work and dedication over the past years, helping AIC's team to negotiate the unprecedented challenges of coronavirus and Brexit.

"As our industry faces an increasingly turbulent and complex landscape, AIC is steadfast in its mission to provide Members with dependable insight and represent their interests in discussions with Government, NGOs, and other stakeholders."