Rachel Carrington is moving from her role as Suffolk County Adviser to lead the NFU’s regional team, based in Newmarket. She has extensive experience of agricultural issues, having worked in the industry for more than 30 years, including 24 years with the NFU.
Rachel said: “I am proud and delighted to be taking over as Regional Director in East Anglia, the UK’s most productive agricultural region. I look forward to helping our farmers as we head towards Brexit and prepare for life outside of the Common Agricultural Policy.
“These are challenging but also exciting times, with the chance to shape a new domestic agricultural policy that delivers for farmers, the public and the countryside. It is vital that the NFU speaks up for our members and fights to make sure they can continue doing what they do best – producing high-quality food.
“We must also be there to help and support them on the local issues that affect their businesses, such as rural crime, poor mobile phone coverage and new infrastructure projects.”
After studying agriculture at Reading University, Rachel spent nine years working for ADAS in Suffolk as an agronomist and business management adviser.
During her NFU career she has led the regional policy team, worked across all six counties in East Anglia and built close links with the region’s key stakeholders. She also spent six months as Assistant Director in the NFU’s office in Brussels. Away from work, her hobbies include walking, boating, golf and classic cars.
NFU Director of Regions Kevin Pearce said: “Rachel brings with her a huge amount of knowledge, skills and expertise. She knows the region, our members and the issues they’re facing and I'm confident she will make a huge success of her new role.”