Founding School of Sustainable Food and Farming member named new NFU Director General

Posted 7 January

A key founding member of Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming has been named as the new Director General of the NFU.

Sophie Throup will take the role on from Terry Jones, the current Director General, who will step down in the spring.

She will join from Myton Food Group, where she has been Senior Director since 2023, and has held several previous industry roles, including Head of Agriculture at Morrisons.

Sophie was a key player in the launch of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming with Harper Adams University five years ago – with the founding school partners being Morrisons, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, and the National Farmers’ Union.

The School is a community of organisations and people with a desire to see a profitable, productive and sustainable future for the UK agricultural industry.

Since its inception, it has worked with a growing range of industry partners to offer farmers the skills, knowledge and training they need to become fully sustainable and to encourage new entrants into farming and food.

Director of The School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, Simon Thelwell, said: “We are very pleased to see Sophie secure this new role – her commitment to our industry is unparalleled.

“Her advice and guidance has been invaluable to the School over the past half decade – and we know that will continue as she takes up her new post.”

Talking about her new role, Sophie said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the NFU and take this great organisation forward with energy, commitment and a clear vision for its future.

“With our family farming back home in Yorkshire, my roots have always been in agriculture, and I know how important this period of change is for the sector. I am a great believer of strength in unity, something the NFU has at its core, and I’m looking forward to working with and listening to our members to help make a positive difference for farming in England and Wales.”

NFU President Tom Bradshaw added: “I’d like to welcome Sophie to the NFU and we are delighted with her appointment at this pivotal time for the farming industry.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience in the commercial and animal health sectors alongside a clear passion for farming and food production. I look forward to working with her to deliver a thriving, vibrant NFU that creates opportunities for our members.

“I’d also like to thank Terry Jones for his dedication to the NFU and its members over the past 10 years, and for leading the NFU through one of the most challenging periods for the sector.”