Ed, from Launceston, was previously Devon NFU’s assistant county adviser and has also worked for the NFU’s bovine TB policy unit, within the South West team. A former county chair of Cornwall Young Farmers, he enjoys working with his own flock of New Zealand Romney sheep which helps him to relate to the challenges faced by members’ businesses.
Ed said: “I am delighted to be taking up the post of Cornwall county adviser at a time when farmers and growers are experiencing a period of change.
“The NFU plays a vital role, influencing, guiding and campaigning for our family farms at local regional and national levels.
“I am looking forward to working with farmers across the county, supporting them with the issues that affect their businesses and helping to seek out new opportunities as we navigate the changing policy and trade landscape.”
NFU Cornwall county chair Bridget Whell said: “We warmly welcome Ed to support the NFU in Cornwall in its work as the voice of its members in these changing times. He will help us face the challenges and opportunities that come with new policies for food, farming, and land use and as we respond to the challenge of delivering sustainable supply chains, alongside meeting our net zero ambitions.”
“As a former Cornwall YFC chair, I am confident that Ed will be effective in representing us with other organisations and directly supporting us as businesses; we look forward to working with him”
South West NFU regional director Mel Squires said: “I am delighted to have appointed Ed into our new position as a valued member of my regional team. His wealth of experience will prove invaluable to the county, and I know our members and related stakeholders in Cornwall will be looking forward to meeting him in due course.”