New Chairman for NFU Board for Horticulture
16/03/05

Richard Hirst has been elected chairman of the NFU's board for horticulture and potatoes. Mr Hirst will replace Graham Ward who has stepped down after two years in the post.

Mr Hirst farms 380 hectares at Ormesby, near Great Yarmouth and has a rotation of cereals, sugar beet, vining peas, potatoes and field scale salads and vegetables.

Speaking after his election, Mr Hirst, said: "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to build on the work already done by Graham Ward. He's worked hard in the past couple of years to further horticulture in the UK and at the NFU and I plan to continue in the same vein.

"It is an exciting and challenging time for the horticultural industry. The changes under CAP reform represent a great opportunity for innovation and development and we have the chance to strengthen the links with our customers. The renewed focus on healthy eating and the growing public interest in local produce will help but in order to capitalise the sustainability of our industry and our sound environmental management must be communicated to the wider public.

"Tackling the economic pressures facing the industry in the form of the cost and provision of labour will also be a priority during my tenure. And I plan to be robust in my examination of government regulation."