The UK National Farmers Union’s director of corporate affairs Tom Hind is set to take up a new post later this year after securing the role of group director of agriculture with Tesco. Tesco announced the creation of the role at the NFU conference back in February as part of its commitment to strengthen relationships with British farmers and to source more food from British farms. The NFU has welcomed the move, saying it ensures this pivotal role is being filled by someone who has a thorough understanding of agriculture.

Hind has worked for the NFU for over 15 years and has a wealth of experience across the range of farm policy issues. As chief dairy adviser, he laid the foundation stones for today’s Voluntary Code of Practice for the dairy industry by drafting the NFU’s Vision for the Dairy Industry in 2005. Latterly, he has led NFU lobbying efforts on the establishment of a Groceries Code adjudicator as well as working on a number of supply chain projects.

Speaking about the move Hind says while he was sorry to leave the NFU he was looking forward to the fresh challenges that fulfilling the role as Tesco’s new Director of Agriculture would bring: “The NFU is a fantastic organisation and I have enjoyed my 15 years here covering a range of issues and roles. Throughout my career I have been motivated by trying to make a difference on behalf of farmers and growers. I’m looking forward to working with the Tesco team and its suppliers to develop even closer working relationships between farmers, manufacturers and the retailer.”

Responding to the appointment, the NFU’s director general Andy Robertson says: “Tom Hind is an absolute asset for the NFU and so while we are sorry to lose him I am delighted that we can continue working closely with him in his new role at Tesco. Back in February Tesco made a commitment to work more closely with farmers and to source more British food. I see this role, and Tom’s appointment, as a very large step towards delivering on that promise. Tom will bring a high level of insight and understanding of agriculture to Tesco and more importantly farmers can be reassured that this key role is being filled by someone who understands agriculture.”