The NFU is pleased to announce that Sophie Throup has been appointed to succeed Terry Jones as Director General of the NFU from 5 May 2026. Sophie has a passion for farming, coming from a mixed farm which produces milk, arable crops and free-range eggs. She also led in the setting up the ‘School of Sustainable Food and Farming' at Harper Adams University with Morrisons, the NFU and McDonalds, which helps shape research, training and innovative support to boost sustainable farming. She will join the NFU from Myton Food Group and brings with her a wealth of experience in manufacturing, processing and retail, as well as a decade in the veterinary sector.

We've produced a new report on agriculture in the East, highlighting farming's vital role. Read the story behind the numbers: tinyurl.com/m72up5ty

(2/2) NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins was also interviewed by @bbcsoutheast. He spoke about the need to safeguard the future of Britain's dairy farmers. @Southacrefarm @NFUPress @NFUtweets

Test your apple tasting skills on our stand today at the National Fruit Show, Kent County Showground

Introducing your new @nfueast team! 🇬🇧🚜 Follow us on Instagram too: instagram.com/nfueast

@NFUtweets Regional Board Chair Alan Clifton-Holt spoke to @itvmeridian yesterday about the need for a long-term plan for farming from the government and the huge public support for our farmers. #BackBritishFarmingDay See part of the interview here.

Hear from some of the 100 interviewees across local print, TV and radio from #BackBritishFarmingDay earlier this week. Thank you to everyone who took part, celebrated British farming and highlighted the importance of our sector to a growing economy and national food security 🚜🇬🇧

Local Nature Recovery Strategies: our environment team explains why they matter and what stage they have reached across the East: tinyurl.com/4u778vmm

@NFUKent member Robert Warnock gives an insight into life as a farmer in this interview with @bbcsoutheast for #BBCFarmwatch

NFU Deputy President David Exwood (@DavidatWestons) was on @BBCLookEast at lunchtime, talking about how with more of the right support farmers can continue to grow food delivering for Britain. Watch from 2:50👉 ow.ly/IsAn50WBsk0 #BBCFarmwatch #Farm24

@NFUtweets Essex Council Representative Sam Pimblett @SamJPimblett explains the unfairness of the government's planned changes to inheritance tax and urges them to engage properly with the NFU in an interview with @BBCEssex #BBCFarmWatch

Many farmers start their day before the sun comes up. We’ve asked some Kent farmers what motivates them to get out of bed so early in the morning. #BBCFarmwatch More here: bbc.in/4lgBPKa

At today's press conference, @beverleyturner asked President Trump how important farmers were to him amid the backdrop of the UK changes to inheritance taxes. Thank you for backing your farmers, Mr President. We need our government to do the same and #StopTheFamilyFarmTax. Watch full clip from 1:08:35👉youtube.com/watch?v=O1jOi7Wc…

ICYMI 📻| Did you hear NFU President Tom Bradshaw (@ProagriLtd) on @bbc5live's Wake Up To Money this morning? He emphasised the UK’s high food standards and why an enabling planning system is so important for domestic food security. Listen at 15:12 👉 ow.ly/Kw6R50WwB9o

ICYMI 📻| NFU Vice-president @RachelHallos was on @BBCFarmingToday, speaking from the NFU's inaugural water summit about the importance of investing in water storage for the future of UK food production 🌊 Listen at 5:35 👉 ow.ly/65Je50WxfEf

Our @NFUKent Chair Clive Baxter and NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett (@EmmettMR) spoke to @itvmeridian at @FruitFocus about water availability and other challenges facing growers. #backbritishfarming

“The NFU has long called for fair dealing in our food and drink supply chains to sustainably support British farming." NFU @cropsboard chair @farmerjamieb responds to news of a review into supply chain fairness in the crops sector. More here 👇 ow.ly/eKT850W4RZN

Responding to today’s Comprehensive Spending Review, NFU President Tom Bradshaw (@ProagriLtd) said👇

Calling abstractors and irrigators in Kent. As the dry weather continues, we're organising a member meeting at the Orchards Event Centre on the Niab East Malling site. Find out more at tinyurl.com/mr7jc2hx @NFUKent

Our regional board chair Alan Clifton-Holt hosted the second of our #farmsafety workshops this week. Book for the remaining events here: tinyurl.com/fufjb9rn