New chair of AHDB unveiled 

Defra has appointed Nicholas Saphir, who has played a major role in building the organic dairy co-operative OMSCo, as the new chair of AHDB.

Mr Saphir will begin a three-year term on April 1, succeeding Sir Peter Kendall who completes his second term in office at the end of March.

The appointment was made by Defra Secretary George Eustice and approved by Ministers in the Scottish Government and Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive.

Mr Saphir has a wide background in agriculture and horticulture, having built a public company farming, processing and trading fruit and vegetables in the UK, Europe, Southern Africa and South America.

His has spent the last 18 years building the Organic Milk Producers’ Cooperative (Omsco) into the world’s second largest dedicated organic milk cooperative with exports of cheese, butter and infant formula grade milk powders to the USA, EU and Australasia.

He has chaired various industry and government bodies, including the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Cooperation, and was founder chairman of Food from Britain. He has been president of the Fresh Produce Consortium and chairman of the Agricultural Forum.

Defra Farming Minister Victoria Prentis, said: “Nicholas Saphir has a wealth of experience in the food and farming industry, with a diverse understanding of marketing and trade across a variety of sectors.

“I am confident he will provide the AHDB with strong leadership, clear vision and enthusiasm as the sector enters a time of change.

“I’d also like to thank Peter Kendall for his dedication to the AHDB, and the sector as a whole, over the past six years.”

Mr Saphir, said: “I’m delighted to be involved with AHDB at this pivotal time of change for UK agriculture and horticulture. The AHDB has a vital role to play in helping to equip farmers, growers and processors to make the most of the opportunities and tackle the challenges that lie ahead.”

Mr Saphir will receive a non-pensionable remuneration of £55,000 per annum, based on a minimum time commitment of 104 days per year.