NFU appoints Nick von Westenholz to head Brexit unit
© David Stock The NFU has appointed former Crop Protection Association chief executive Nick von Westenholz as the head of its new Brexit unit.
Mr von Westenholz will join the union as director of EU exit and international trade to “ensure the NFU has a co-ordinated and constant presence in its Brexit conversations with government in the crucial months ahead”.
The move is part of the NFU’s strategy to refocus and strengthen its government and external affairs teams in London.
See also: Prime minister to meet farm leaders for Brexit talks
NFU director general Terry Jones said: “In the coming weeks and months ahead it is essential that food and farming is front and centre of any talks about the UK’s relationship with Europe and the rest of the world.
“I am confident the building blocks being put in place now will ensure the NFU is able to work with the two new government departments, exiting the EU and international trade.
“I am delighted Nick von Westenholz is rejoining the NFU to lead the new and strategically important Brexit team to ensure the voice of farming is at the heart of policy and decision-making in these crucial talks.”
‘Exciting future for UK farming’
Mr von Westenholz is a trained barrister and previously worked with the NFU as its head of government affairs.
He said: “While Brexit presents clear challenges to UK farming in the coming years, if we get it right it offers the prospect of an exciting future, both to the benefit of domestic food production and our precious natural environment.
“The NFU has shown a strong intent to be on the front foot in getting the best out of Brexit for British farmers and I’m immensely excited about stepping up to that task on behalf of the NFU’s members.”
In addition, the NFU is recruiting a new head of external affairs and two new external affairs managers to strengthen its London presence.