AIC appoints Catherine Barrett as new Head of Arable Marketing and Seed
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) – the leading UK trade association representing agricultural supply chain sectors including arable marketing, crop protection, agronomy, feed, fertiliser and seed – has announced the promotion of Catherine Barrett as its new Head of Arable Marketing and Seed.
In her new role, Catherine will lead her sectors in representing Members’ interests with Defra and other government and non-government bodies and organisations. Her responsibilities will involve actively working to improve the competitive position of Members within the agrisupply chain.
The change has come following Paul Rooke’s departure, after nearly 30 years of service. Catherine worked closely with Paul and is well-placed to bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.
“I’m delighted to assume this new position for AIC, an organisation that always strives to represent and promote Member interests. AIC truly is the voice of the UK agri-supply chain,” says Catherine Barrett. “At a time of huge disruption and uncertainty, AIC’s role is more vital than ever. My role will focus on working closely with Members involved with the Arable Marketing and Seed sectors, making sure that Member interests are represented with Government, and that we keep working together towards continued success and new opportunities.”
“Catherine will be excellent in her new role,” says Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive of AIC. “In her time with AIC, she has been consistently dedicated and diligent when promoting Members’ interests. As we move forward during such an unprecedented time, it is leaders like Catherine who will provide the vision and guidance needed.”
ENDS
About AIC
As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.
Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products, trusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.
Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.
AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.
AIC Services manages a range of services, including Trade Assurance Schemes and professional registers recognised by the UK Government as essential means to underpin feed and food safety alongside fertiliser security.
These schemes and professional registers include:
- Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC)
- Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS)
- Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)
- European Seed Treatment Assurance (ESTA)
- Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS)
- Feed Adviser Register (FAR)
- Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
- Forage Assurance Scheme (FAA)
- AIC Services Palm Oil Credit Scheme (APOCS)
*According to a 2023 survey of AIC Members.
Press Contact
Wendy Ford, Communications Manager, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
[email protected]