West farmer to bring her expertise to TIAH board
ASUCKLER beef producer and leading campaigner for the industry from the South West is one of five high calibre trustees to have been welcomed to The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) board.
Jilly Greed, co-founder of Ladies in Beef and Great British Beef Week alongside National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Minette Batters, joins the organisation together with Becci Berry, Jon Florsheim, John Haynes and Stephen Oldfield.
David Fursdon, chair at TIAH, explained that Mrs Greed, who farms in partnership with her husband and son over 600 acres in the Exe Valley, on the outskirts of Exeter, will be able to bring “first-hand experience of farming and the understanding of the challenges of working within the industry” to the board, together with fellow trustee John Haynes, who is a farm manager for MJ & SC Collins in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.
Mr Fursdon, who lives in Devon and holds a number of roles with the agricultural and rural sector both locally and nationally, explained: “TIAH is passionate about becoming the home of skills, careers and professionalism in agriculture and horticulture, and supporting individuals through their development within the industry.
“Each trustee has either personal experience of agriculture and horticulture or shares a passion for propelling the industries forwards, so we are thrilled to have their insight as we prepare to launch TIAH.”
He continued: “Becci Berry joins the organisation with a depth of commercial knowledge but also understands the experience of new entrants to the industry, having come into farming later in her career.
“Stephen Oldfield has an accountancy background and has worked with multiple agricultural businesses and understands the challenges of running a successful enterprise.
“Whereas Jon Florsheim brings digital experience from his previous career that will be particularly useful as TIAH looks to expand their online services.”
All trustees will be non-executives on the board but will help guide the organisation to deliver it’s aims and strategy. Mr Fursdon added: “Having the knowledge and experience of the trustees will be invaluable to the rest of the TIAH board as they provide a wise head on the strategy and will give the executives confidence with the direction of travel.”
Echoing his sentiment, Janet Swadling, chief executive at TIAH, said having the insight of the new trustees will be essential as TIAH continues to support the development of farmers and growers through an ever-changing industry landscape. “The future of TIAH is incredibly exciting, particularly with the imminent launch of our pilot scheme and subsequent introduction of our online platforms,” she concluded.