The Government has appointed former NFU president Peter Kendall Chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Kendall's three year term took effect on 1^st April.

image expired

Kendall, who was also named president of the World Farmers Organisation at the end of last month, will replace former chair John Godfrey, who stepped down in March. Defra secretary Owen Paterson named Mr Kendall as the new AHDB chair, and ministers from the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland approved the appointment.

On accepting his new position, 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."

Mr Kendall will be paid an annual salary of £50,000, for his AHDB work, which will take up two days a week.