The NFU is seeking new members of the NFU PPG (Potato Policy Group) to support the development and delivery of its policy objectives.
At such a critical time for the sector, there has never been a better time to get involved and have your say on how the NFU supports potato growers.
Applications are being sought from members across all parts of England and Wales and covering a range of different markets such as processing, chipping, fresh and seed.
How to apply
- You need to be an NFU member, or part of a membership business, in order to apply.
- Download and complete our expression of interest form.
- Return it by email to NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Adviser Zoë Moore at [email protected] no later than 5pm Friday 23 January 2026.
Representatives on the NFU Potato Policy Group are selected by a panel consisting of an NFU Officeholder/Director, NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board Chair, and the Chief Adviser (Crop and Plant Production).
There is no regional quota applied to the selection process. However, the selection panel is aware of the need not only to appoint the best individuals but to achieve a balanced representation of markets, interests and geographical coverage as necessary.
Candidates will be notified of the results via email at the beginning of February 2026.
The work of the PPG
The NFU PPG consists of eight appointed members, plus a provision to co-opt additional members where knowledge or subsector gaps are identified.
Group members are appointed and empowered to make informed and responsible decisions on national (England and Wales) potato policy issues.
Decisions made by the group are collective, meaning that any policy decision taken by the group is endorsed and advocated by members and staff.
The PPG works alongside the national board for Horticulture and Potatoes and has a critical role in shaping NFU policies that impact on potato growers.
Whether it is crop protection or business resilience, shocks to the supply chain or cost inflation, the EU reset or water issues, the PPG helps identify the issues affecting members and creates a plan of action to address them.
The PPG also has the opportunity to input directly into national policy through the NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board, with the ability to elect two members to sit on the national board, one of whom will be elected to take on the position of Vice-chair (Potatoes) on the national board.
The collective responsibilities of the Potato Policy Group are to:
- Determine and champion the NFU’s policies in respect of the potatoes sector and help to set priorities in respect of key policy issues.
- Develop and help implement NFU strategy in the potatoes sector.
- Demonstrate leadership on key policy issues and lobbying activity to and from members and stakeholders within the potato sector – maintaining active dialogue and communication, and actively representing the NFU at events, external meetings and, where appropriate, with the media.
- Demonstrate leadership to the NFU’s potato members at regional and national level.
Group members’ duties
All members are expected to have regular access to a computer/digital device since all correspondence relating to the group is done electronically. Specific duties include:
- Attend all NFU PPG meetings and other such meetings (regional and national NFU business) as necessary. Poor attendance at meetings may result in a review of suitability for the position.
- Respond to requests for information and input from NFU staff.
- Read in advance all papers that are relevant to the work of the group and provide feedback and/or guidance as required.
- Be the NFU’s recognised regional and/or national spokesperson on key policy issues.
- Develop relationships with representatives of the industry and supply chain.
- Represent the views of regional growers at a national level.
- Ensure that policy decisions taken by the NFU PPG are communicated properly to members in each region and to ensure that regional communications are sufficient to ensure members have access to information on NFU policy work.
- Communicate electronically with staff and other group members.
- Represent the NFU on external committees as required.
- Observe the NFU’s code of conduct for appointed representatives of the association.
Commitment
Group members serve a two-year term but can then stand for re-appointment at each two-year cycle. Co-options also serve terms of up to two years.
The first meeting of the year will be held at Stoneleigh on Wednesday 18 February 2026 – candidates should aim to be available to attend the first meeting or explain why this is not possible in their application.
PPG members will also be invited to join the November Horticulture and Potatoes Board meeting.
Expenses
PPG members receive a day rate paid to the business. Expenses associated with group meetings and group activities are also paid.
If you want to know more about the role, please contact NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Adviser Zoë Moore by emailing [email protected].
