Alex Godfrey and Tim Papworth have been re-appointed as chairman and vice chairman respectively of the NFU Potato Forum.
Alex Godfrey, who farms in Lincolnshire, said: “I am delighted to be re-appointed as chairman for a further two years and I look forward to continuing to deliver the forum’s objectives during 2017. We have a lot to do. Not least with ensuring the potato sector is well represented in NFU Brexit policies, but also in addressing some of the key concerns for our members in the domestic market.
“The past few years have been incredibly challenging for the potato sector, so it remains vitally important that the NFU can deliver robust support to growers. That is why we have a dedicated forum to ensure the views of the potato sector are embedded within NFU policy.
Whether it is crop protection, labour needs, legislative changes on water policy or tackling a lack of transparency on potato sales, the NFU Potato Forum helps identify the issues affecting members and creates a plan of action to address them.
NFU Potato Forum vice chairman, Tim Papworth, who grows 10 varieties of potatoes for several customers in Norfolk, said: “This will be my second term as vice chairman, after holding the post of chairman since its creation. I am pleased to be able to support Alex and the forum members, represent my fellow potato growers during what will be undoubtedly the most critical period for farmers and growers in a generation.
“We also need to harness greater support from the supply chain to ensure that growers can operate in a profitable market and have the confidence to invest in the future.”
