Tesco has announced the appointment of Tom Hind as its new agricultural director. Boasting more than 15 years’ experience at the National Farmers Union (NFU), he will begin his role later this year with a view to strengthening Tesco’s relationship with farmers and producers.

The appointment follows a commitment by Tesco CEO Philip Clarke, made earlier this year at the NFU annual conference, to help build a more transparent supply chain. The agricultural director will oversee a new team of experts working to develop innovative ways of working and farming sustainably. As the main point of contact between Tesco and farmers in the UK and internationally, he will also be responsible for Tesco’s world-leading animal welfare schemes.

“As British agriculture’s biggest customer, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve developed with thousands of farmers across the UK,” says Tesco commercial director Kevin Grace. “Tom Hind is a respected figure in British agriculture and will bring with him a huge amount of hands-on farming experience. His relationship with farmers will ensure their views continue to be heard throughout Tesco.”

Hind was brought up working on his uncle’s cattle farm in Sheffield and later spent a year working on a dairy farm in France, before joining the NFU in 1998. He won the respect of farmers across the UK with his pioneering work on behalf of dairy farmers, which led to better contractual deals between suppliers and their customers. He says: “Throughout my career, I have been motivated by trying to make a difference on behalf of farmers and growers. I’m looking forward to working with the Tesco team and its suppliers to develop even closer working relationships between farmers, manufacturers and the retailer.”