A number of new appointments have been made across the farming sector.
First up, UK levy body organisation – the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) – has appointed former Lib Dem MEP and Press and Journal farming columnist George Lyon as an independent member of its board.
“I am delighted to be joining the board of AHDB at this important time,” said Mr Lyon.
“There is a massive task ahead of us in building AHDB into an organisation able to provide world-class technical and marketing advice for farmers and growers in every part of the UK. I believe that is essential if UK agriculture is to be able to take on and win market share from our competitors around the world and I look forward to making a contribution to that goal.”
Meanwhile, the consulting division of SRUC – SAC Consulting – has appointed a new managing director.
Mike Wijnberg, who currently works in a senior management role at pig production and processing giant Tulip Ltd, will take up the post on June 1.
He replaces Jonathan Cowens, who left the role in August last year.
Mr Wijnberg is a vet, originally from South Africa where he worked for 10 years in private veterinary practice, before moving to the UK to join British Quality Pigs (BQP) as a veterinary manager in 1995. He has since progressed through the business, which is now part of Tulip.
Mr Wijnberg said: “I am delighted by the prospect of leading SAC Consulting, particularly at a time when the rural economy and many associated industries are being transformed. I believe there are great opportunities for the business and I look forward to moving to Scotland and taking on the many challenges that lie ahead.”
Lastly, Scottish red meat levy body Quality Meat Scotland has appointed three new members to its board.
They are: Jock Gibson, of Macbeth’s butchers in Forres; Scott Henderson who farms in Dumfries and previously chaired the Scottish Beef Association; and Kate Rowell who is a qualified vet and farmer from Peeblesshire.
The roles, which last for four years, start on April 1.