AHDB seeks new horticulture board chairman to begin in April 2018 after current chairman, Gary Taylor, steps down early due to other commitments.
AHDB announcement:
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is currently seeking applications for two new members to join its main Board with effect from 1 April 2018.
A person with expertise in the UK horticulture industry is sought, who in addition to their corporate Board role, will also chair AHDB’s horticulture sector board; also an independent member with an understanding of agricultural science to help inform the Board’s decisions on research and knowledge exchange.
The appointments will be made jointly by Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland. Candidates are required to declare conflicts of interest and political activity as part of the application process.
These posts replace Gary Taylor (current horticulture chairman) who will step down six months before completing his second term in office due to other professional commitments; and Professor Ian Crute (independent with agricultural scientific expertise) who finishes his second term on 30 March 2018.
AHDB Chairman Peter Kendall said: “I thank Gary and Ian profusely for the expertise and drive they brought to the Board.
“Gary has helped deliver a refresh of AHDB’s horticulture strategy setting out a step change in what we will deliver for that sector.
“Ian spent five years as AHDB’s chief scientist, and a further four on the Board helping to shape our decisions on research and knowledge exchange. He shares my passion and belief that AHDB makes an essential contribution to ensuring we have an innovative and competitive food and farming industry in the UK. I look forward to finding ways to collaborate with him in the future.”
These two Board vacancies occur at a significant and challenging time for the AHDB as it looks to respond to the Brexit challenges facing the farming and food sectors over the coming decade.
Peter added: “We are seeking people who have vision, passion and ambition for the AHDB and what we can deliver for UK agriculture in these uncertain times.”
Candidates may begin the application process by visiting the Cabinet Office’s Public Appointments Webpage. The closing date for applications is Monday 12 February.
To discuss the positions available please contact Rebecca Geraghty, AHDB Chief HR Officer, on 024 7647 8710 or email UmViZWNjYS5HZXJhZ2h0eUBhaGRiLm9yZy51aw==.
Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 12 March 2018.