New faces at NFU urge government to not put farmers at disadvantage over Brexit

Nick von Westenholz (right) was appointed to the role as NFU Director of EU Exit and International Trade
Nick von Westenholz (right) was appointed to the role as NFU Director of EU Exit and International Trade

New faces and seasoned veterans join the National Farmers Union to champion British farming in Westminster at a critically important time for the industry.

Shortly after the referendum result, the NFU announced the creation of a new Brexit department to represent farming’s concerns in the new government departments focused on the EU-withdrawal negotiations.

Nick von Westenholz, who was appointed to the role as NFU Director of EU Exit and International Trade, said there are 'considerable challenges' facing farming.

Olivia Seccombe will lead the NFU’s new London-based External Affairs team
Olivia Seccombe will lead the NFU’s new London-based External Affairs team

He said: "With the triggering of article 50 due in the next couple of months it is absolutely vital that farming’s voice continues to be heard.

"This means securing the best possible trade deals with the EU and beyond, continued access to a competent and reliable workforce, and a domestic agricultural policy that ensures farming can achieve its true potential."

'Critically important time'

Olivia Seccombe, who has also worked in the offices of several MPs, including Theresa May, will lead the NFU’s new London-based External Affairs team promoting the interests of farmers within government, parliament and with other key stakeholders.

She said: "This is a critically important time for farming with the future repatriation of agricultural policy to Westminster and it is absolutely vital that the NFU has broad cross-party as well as government support for the importance of the farming industry.

"In addition to Brexit there are still issues right now that are of immediate concern to farmers – whether it’s rural crime, BPS payments, GSCOP or TB eradication - which continue to be a high priority for the NFU and where government support is vital.

"The External Affairs team will build on the momentum already created by the NFU to build alliances making sure farming’s strategic importance to the country is recognized in Westminster and that politicians of all parties Back British Farming."