Martin is a director of Farplants Group, which grows and markets more than 2,000 plant varieties and generates more than £22 million wholesale sales annually. He was first elected chair of the board in 2022.
He said: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected for another term, and I want to thank the board for their support over the past four years.
“While our sector faces immediate challenges, including rapidly rising fuel, fertiliser and energy costs due to the conflict in the Middle East, as well as the increase in standing charges from April, it’s also an important moment for horticulture and potatoes. The announcement of the Farming and Food Partnership Board, with its tailored growth plans placing our sector as a priority, gives us real momentum.
“I’ll continue to represent members’ views to government and look forward to ensuring we achieve all we’re aiming for in the year ahead.”
Ensuring your concerns are heard
Martin will be supported by two vice-chairs – Stephen Shields and Tim Rooke.
Stephen is Technical Director for Huntapac Produce Ltd.
A fourth generation family-owned business based in Southport, Huntapac supplies the major retailers and specialises in root vegetables production. Stephen has been with the business since 2006, but his career in fresh produce spans more than 20 years and a total of 36 years in the food industry.
Stephen said: “I’m really pleased to have been re-elected as vice-chair. It’s a role I value greatly, and I’m grateful for the continued trust placed in me.
“The announcement of the Farming and Food Partnership Board, with its tailored growth plans placing our sector as a priority, gives us real momentum.”
NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board Chair Martin Emmett
“With so much happening across our sector, particularly the focus on fairness within the supply chain and the government’s ongoing review, I’ll continue to work hard on behalf of growers. My priority is to ensure their concerns are heard and that we push for greater transparency, consistency and fairness for members.”
Working with government
Tim, who will remain chair of the NFU’s Potato Policy Group, is part of a brother and son third generation farming business that grows 650 acres of processing and crisping potatoes in Ryedale, North Yorkshire.
He farms in partnership with his brother and has a mixture of tenanted and owned farms. He also grows wheat, oats, and oilseed rape.
Tim said: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected as the vice-chair representing the potatoes sector on the national board. I look forward to continuing to work with the rest of the board on key issues facing the sector.
“Like other sectors, potato growers are facing significantly rising production costs and it’s essential we continue to work within the NFU and with government and across the supply chain to ensure these are recognised.”
