Ed heading to pastures new

Senior policy adviser Ed Barker will be leaving the NPA at the end of August to join the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).

Ed joined the NPA in June 2017 and has taken on the politics and Brexit brief with gusto, ensuring the pig industry’s voice is heard in Westminster and beyond as the Government sets out the UK’s path outside the EU.

Ed will join AIC as their Head of Policy and External Affairs, heading up their political activity, as well as bringing together policy.

He said: “I have had a very enjoyable three years at the NPA. Having been brought up on a pig farm, and also having worked in Westminster, it has been a pleasure to work for the UK’s pig industry.

“It has been a pretty tumultuous few years for the UK pig sector with two General Elections, multiple Brexit dates, and a raft of new policies affecting our sector. It is easy to lobby on behalf of a sector when you are passionate about it, and it is full of great people.  

“It has been a privilege to work with a fantastic team who stop at nothing to get the best for the pig sector and to meet various NPA members around the country.

“As I have often stated - it is a sector that stands ready to deal with the changes coming in the future. I look forward to continuing to represent the industry and the NPA over the next few months – and will no doubt still see many members in my new role, which I very much look forward to.”

 NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said: “We are very sorry to see Ed go. He has made a great contribution to our work in a really important policy area, but we recognise, of course, that this is an excellent opportunity for him, and we wish him all the best.

The NPA will begin the formal process of recruiting a replacement for Ed later this year. “Members can rest assured that we are already taking steps to ensure the industry continues to be fully and effectively represented in political discussions following Ed’s departure,” Zoe said.