Emily Norton has been appointed as the new Chair of the
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Emily, who has 25 years of experience in the food and farming
sector, will take on the role for three years from 1 June 2025.
She will succeed Nicholas Saphir, who is stepping down as Chair
after more than five years in the role. AHDB is a statutory levy
board funded by around 100,000 farmers and other businesses in
the food supply chain. Established in 2008 and classified as a
Non-Departmental Public Body, AHDB supports production of Beef,
Lamb and Pork in England, Dairy in Great Britain and Cereals
& Oilseeds in the UK.
Appointments to the AHDB board are made by Defra Ministers, with
the approval of Ministers in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern
Ireland Governments.
Farming Minister said:
“Emily Norton's leadership and extensive experience in a diverse
range of sectors will bring fresh perspective and strategic
insight to the 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.”
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 advisor.”
Emily Norton, new Chair of the AHDB, said:
“I am 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. I look forward to working with stakeholders
across the industry to deliver on that mission as part of AHDB.”
Biographical details
- Emily Norton is a partner in an 80 ha arable farm in Norfolk
and is owner and founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic
advisory service for the rural sector.
-
She has previously held several executive roles including
Head of Rural Research at Savills UK, and was Chair of the
Oxford Farming Conference in 2023.
-
Emily has extensive board-level experience, with positions at
the Soil Association Exchange, the Environmental Markets
Board and the Duchy of Lancaster.
- She is a member of the national policy committee of the
Country Land and Business Association, a trustee at the Royal
Norfolk Agricultural Association and a member of the Farming
Leadership Group of the Food, Farming & Countryside
Commission.
