Janet Hughes to leave Defra for senior civil service role

Janet Hughes, the influential programme director behind Defra’s Future Farming and Countryside Programme (FFCP), has announced she will step down this June after five years in the role.

In a statement posted on X, Ms Hughes revealed she will take up a new position as director-general for Civil Service Efficiency and Reform in the Cabinet Office.

“I’m massively grateful to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last five years and hugely proud of the progress we’ve made together,” she wrote.

“Defra will be appointing someone to carry forward the work of the farming and countryside programme shortly.”

See also: Game Changers: Janet Hughes, the civil servant

Ms Hughes has been central to one of the most ambitious overhauls of UK agricultural policy in decades, leading the agricultural transition from EU-style subsidies to schemes rewarding environmental sustainability, food production, and animal welfare.

Her “test-and-learn” approach to Defra’s post-Brexit Environmental Land Management programme helped reshape policy delivery and foster greater collaboration between civil servants, farmers, and industry stakeholders.

Reactions from across the farming community were swift and largely positive.

George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, said Ms Hughes’ departure had been anticipated.

“She has spent an unusually long time in her role for a civil servant of her seniority,” he noted.

“We have not always agreed, but she was always willing to engage, listen, and find a shared way forward. Her passion and drive will be missed.”

Farmer appreciation

Many farmers also expressed their appreciation online.

Hampshire arable farmer David Miller wrote: “Good luck in your new role Janet.

“You will be greatly missed at Defra and by all the farmers you’ve helped so practically.”

James Wright, a beef and sheep farmer from Exmoor, praised her ability to “shepherd competing priorities through the policy process”.

Ms Hughes was recently nominated for the Farmers Weekly Game Changers Award, recognising her role in modernising agricultural policy and championing innovation on the ground.