A NEW appointment has been made at the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board, which will see Scotland's Rural College's former deputy principal, and chief executive, Janet Swadling, take up the position of independent member.

She replaced Professor Ian Crute, after he stepped down as board member of AHDB in March, and her appointment will last until March 2021.

Ms Swadling's appointment has been made jointly by ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland.

She has more than 25 years’ experience at board level as both an executive and non-executive director, and she currently runs an independent consultancy business specialising in governance and strategic review. She is also a non-executive director of Zero Waste Scotland.

Ms Swadling commented: “I am delighted to be joining the AHDB. I am passionate about British farming, food and drink, and I am looking forward to playing a part in helping AHDB to deliver a difference for UK agriculture as we manage our way through Brexit and into a new trading environment.”

AHDB chairman, Peter Kendall, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Janet to the Board. She joins at a challenging time for the farming and food industry and her expertise will help AHDB identify opportunities to deliver a more innovative, competitive and sustainable industry in the future."