Board focuses on wide range of industry policy work
The NFU has put the call out for growers to join its Horticulture and Potatoes Board, helping to shape the union’s future policies and the direction of the industry.
The board represents the industry within the government’s policy development, and two key current focus areas are the EU/UK reset negotations, and driving forward the new government commitment to a horticulture growth plan.
Policy work will focus on such areas as contract reform, fairness in the supply chain, access to labour, crop protection, and productivity funding, among others.
The Horticulture and Potatoes Board consists of 13 appointed members, including an elected chair and two vice-chairs, as well as up to four additional co-options. Members are appointed to serve a two-year term of office and can then stand for reappointment for a total of three terms.
Nominations may only be received from full NFU farmer and grower members, and more information on requirements and how to apply is available here.
The deadline for application is Sunday 15 February 2026, with the first board meeting featuring new members slated for 19 March.
Meanwhile, there is also the opportunity to apply to join the NFU’s Potato Policy Group (PPG), which looks to provide a strong voice for UK potato growers.
The PPG consists of eight appointed members, plus a provision to co-opt additional members where knowledge or sub-sector gaps are identified.
The group looks at issues from crop protection to business resilience, shocks to the supply chain, cost inflation, the EU reset, and water.
It works alongside the national Horticulture and Potatoes Board and has a critical role in shaping NFU policies that impact on potato growers, the union stressed.
The deadline for applying to join the PPG is 5pm on Friday 23 January, and further information is available here.
