AIC Welcomes Angela Eagle as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has welcomed the appointment of Dame Angela Eagle DBE as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Angela Eagle is already familiar to many across the agricultural supply chain, having spoken at the AIC Conference in 2025. AIC looks forward to working with her as she builds on the progress already being made across the sector and helps shape the future of agriculture, food and environmental policy.
As the new Government settles into office, AIC will continue to engage constructively on key priorities, including the delivery of the 25-Year Farm Plan, the work of the Farming and Food Partnership Board, and other important strategies and programmes affecting the agricultural supply chain.
Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive of AIC, said:
"We warmly welcome Angela Eagle to her new role as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Angela is no stranger to the agricultural sector, having addressed delegates at the AIC Conference last year, and we are pleased to see her take on this important position.
There is a significant programme of work already underway across agriculture, food and the wider environment. We look forward to working with Angela and her ministerial team to deliver key priorities, including the 25-Year Farm Plan and the work of the Farming and Food Partnership Board, ensuring they support productive, sustainable and resilient supply chains."
AIC would also like to thank Emma Reynolds MP for her leadership of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) over the past 10 months.
Robert Sheasby added:
"We would like to thank Emma Reynolds for the commitment and leadership she has shown during her time at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). She has guided the department through an important period for the sector, overseeing the publication of the Land Use Strategy, Farming roadmap and response to the Farm Profitability Report. We wish her every success in her new role."
Authors
Ed Barker
