Farm News
LAA appoints new chairman
John Brereton , an auctioneer with more than 40 years ’ experience , is the new chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers Association .
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WORKING AS A SPECIALIST DEALING with all types of livestock , farm dispersal sales and agricultural properties , as a managing partner of Jones Peckover , John operates through St Asaph and Oswestry markets , and is the first Welsh chairman for several years .
His career started in the valuation office in Chester in 1971 , continuing at Jones & Son , where he completed his studies and became a chartered surveyor in 1973 , and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 1983 . In 2008 he became a Fellow of the LAA .
“ I ’ m delighted to take on this role at such a time of opportunity ,” he said . “ The next year will celebrate 200 years of the auction mart system . We ’ ve always been on the side of the farmer , and in today ’ s challenging market , we all need to be working together to tell the whole story of livestock farming .”
‘ There ’ s never been a more important time ’
The LAA is already leading a group of key stakeholders across Britain planning a route forward for farming after Brexit . These industry bodies are determined to work together to find ways to positively support the UK and devolved Governments
as negotiations start and crucial decisions are made .
“ The industry ’ s future is at stake , and future generations must be protected ,” he said . “ There ’ s never been a more important time - it ’ s been crucial that we ’ re clear and articulate , and provide a strong voice .”
CPA appoints new chief executive
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SARAH MUKHERJEE , CURRENTLY Director of Environment at Water UK , has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Crop Protection Association , taking over from Nick von Westenholz , who will be moving to the NFU as Director of EU Exit and
International Trade in the New Year . Sarah will take up the role on the 13th March 2017 .
Commenting on the appointment , CPA Chairman , Gary Mills-Thomas said :
“ I am delighted that we have been able to appoint someone with such a wealth of expertise and knowledge as the Association ’ s Chief Executive .
“ As the crop protection sector continues to face significant political and regulatory pressures , which will only be magnified by the process of Brexit , Sarah ’ s experience working with senior civil servants , politicians and regulators will be hugely valuable .
“ Sarah has an excellent track record in communicating often very complex ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences , and I believe she will bring strong leadership and a fresh approach to the opportunities and challenges that our industry currently faces .
“ In the interim it will be business as usual at the CPA , the organisation is in excellent shape and will continue to effectively represent the crop protection industry ahead of Sarah beginning work in March .” Sarah said of her appointment : “ I am delighted to be taking up such a crucial post at such a pivotal time for the industry . Brexit and the post-CAP regime will bring both challenge and opportunity to the crop protection sector , within a context of population growth and climate change .
“ We need to balance the needs of the environment and sustainable farming with the requirement to feed a growing population , and I very much look forward to taking on these issues next year .”
18 Dec / Jan 2017 www . farmers-mart . co . uk