Ministers have appointed Tom Clarke as Board member of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) with extended responsibility as Cereals and Oilseeds Sector Council Chair for three years, with effect from 1 April 2023.

Mike Sheldon has also been re-appointed as AHDB Board member and Pork Sector Council Chair for 12 months, with effect from 10 April 2023. Sarah Pumfrett has been re-appointed as Board member and Chair of the AHDB Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) for three years with effect from 1 April 2023.

These are Ministerial appointments, made by the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which have been approved by the Devolved Administrations.

The appointments are made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. In accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public. The appointees have declared that they have not taken part in any significant political activity in the past five years.

Nicholas Saphir, AHDB Chair, said: "I am delighted with the appointment of Tom and the re-appointments of Mike and Sarah. Their collective industry experienced adds value to our skill-based Board as we drive the delivery of our sector-focused plans and provide tangible benefits and value for money for our levy payers."

Mr Clarke will receive a non-pensionable remuneration of £23,616 per annum, based on a minimum time commitment of 72 days per year.

Mr Sheldon will receive a non-pensionable remuneration of £23,616 per annum, based on a minimum time commitment of 72 days per year.

Ms Pumfrett will receive a non-pensionable remuneration of £11,808 per annum, based on a minimum time commitment of 36 days per year.

Reasonable travel expenses are also paid.