AIC Welcomes Emma Reynolds and Dame Angela Eagle at Defra
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has welcomed Emma Reynolds MP as the newly appointed Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), following a Cabinet reshuffle prompted by Angela Rayner’s resignation.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has restructured his Cabinet, with several key appointments announced, including Dame Angela Eagle joining Defra as Minister of State.
Daniel Zeichner MP, who previously served as Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, has left Government. His responsibilities are expected to be redistributed within the department.
These changes place Emma Reynolds at the forefront of agricultural policy, food production, and rural development.
On behalf of the UK’s agri-supply trade association, AIC Chief Executive Robert Sheasby offered his congratulations:
“We welcome Emma Reynolds and Dame Angela Eagle to their new roles at Defra and look forward to working constructively with them to support a thriving, resilient agricultural sector. Their leadership will be key in shaping policies that deliver for farmers, the environment, and the wider food supply chain.”
“I would also like to express our thanks to Daniel Zeichner for his work as a Minster and Shadow Minister. Since 2020 he has worked with AIC across many challenges and spoken at a number of our events. We look forward to continuing to work with him to shape policy for the benefit of UK agriculture.”
The new team is expected to review existing schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive and introduce reforms aimed at improving food security, climate resilience, and rural economic development.
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