AHDB seek new chairman as Nick Saphir signals departure

The search is on for a new chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), after the announcement that Nicholas Saphir will stand down from the role at the end of March 2025.

The AHDB is seeking applications for the £58,000-a-year job, which it estimates will require an annual time commitment of at least 104 days.

See also: AHDB seeks levy payers for cereals and oilseeds committee

Mr Saphir came to the role in 2020 from organic dairy co-operative Omsco, where he had been its executive chairman.

He pointed to the “rigorous process of restructure” the AHDB had been through during his time as chair.

“I am proud to have been involved in helping the industry as it adapts to the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

“The amended legislation that governs AHDB now allows us to work with other sectors, which only strengthens the impact we can have to support an industry that is vital to a safe and secure United Kingdom.”

The levy body, he said, plays a “vital role” in promoting and defending the domestic reputation of British produce and in maintaining and developing export markets.

A government review into its future in 2020 concluded that statutory levies were the best means of funding the AHDB in the post-Brexit era, but farmers should be balloted every five years to confirm this approach and to say how the money should be spent.

The appointment of chair is a ministerial public appointment.

The application deadline is 13 December 2024.