Emily Norton has been appointed by Defra Ministers as the new chair of AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board). She will succeed Nicholas Saphir, who is stepping down after more than five years in the role.
With 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector, Ms Norton is a partner in an 80ha arable farm in Norfolk and is owner and founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic advisory service for the rural sector.
She will take up the role on 1 June 2025.
AHDB partnership is paramount during uncertain times
Responding to the announcement, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “This is an incredibly challenging time for farmers across the industry, with the family farm tax changes, the closure of the SFI scheme and a cashflow crisis contributing to confidence levels hitting an all-time low.
“Our partnership with AHDB is always important, but never more so than now. We look forward to working closely with Emily Norton as she takes on the role of chair. I would also like to sincerely thank Nicholas Saphir for his dedicated service and valuable contribution during his tenure.”
Ms Norton, who has previously held several executive roles including Head of Rural Research at Savills UK and chaired the Oxford Farming Conference in 2023, says she is “proud to take on the role of chair at such a pivotal time for British agriculture.”
“My professional focus has always been on strengthening the resilience, sustainability, and prosperity of the UK’s food and farming sectors,”she said. “I look forward to working with stakeholders across the industry to deliver on that mission as part of the AHDB.”
Outgoing AHDB Chair Nicholas Saphir said: "I have served as AHDB Chair for the last five years during which time it has been an honour and a pleasure to have worked with some amazingly dedicated and knowledgeable board members and staff. Together we have delivered a significant change in the way in which AHDB serves our levy payers.
“I leave AHDB, the board and team well positioned to play their part in providing 'the key that unlocks the future of British agriculture’.
“I’m delighted that Emily Norton will be stepping into the role as chair of AHDB. Emily brings a wealth of experience through her background in running a family farming business as well as her work as a highly respected strategic and policy adviser.”
Appointments to the AHDB Board are made by Defra Ministers, with the approval of Ministers in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments.
Welcoming Ms Norton to the role, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “Emily Norton’s leadership and extensive experience in a diverse range of sectors will bring fresh perspective and strategic insight to AHDB. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to champion our world-class farmers and food producers - driving rural economic growth and strengthening food security.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Nicholas Saphir for his dedication, drive and expertise throughout his tenure.”
Emily will be supported by board member Stephen Briggs, who has been appointed as Deputy Chair.
