Ronan Hughes Elected Chair of Agricultural Industries Confederation Board
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has elected Ronan Hughes of Origin Enterprises plc as Chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding Jonathan Lane of ADM Agriculture Ltd following the organisation's Annual General Meeting.
Ronan Hughes, who is Managing Director, Ireland and UK Agriculture Division at Origin Enterprises plc and previously served as AIC Crop Protection and Agronomy Chair, takes over at a critical time for the agricultural supply industry as businesses continue to navigate a rapidly evolving policy, regulatory and commercial landscape.
As part of the Board transition, outgoing Chair Jonathan Lane Managing Director of ADM Agriculture Ltd, will become Immediate Past Chair and has been awarded Honorary Life Membership of AIC in recognition of his service and contribution to the Confederation.
During his tenure as Chair, Jonathan helped strengthen AIC’s engagement with Government, regulators, and industry stakeholders across the UK, while continuing to ensure that Members’ voices were heard at the heart of the AIC Board and across the wider stakeholder landscape. He also oversaw four co-options to the Board, comprising two representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and two from multi-sector businesses.
Commenting on his appointment, Ronan Hughes said: "I am honoured to have been elected Chair of AIC and look forward to working closely with Members, Sector Chairs, the Board and the executive team. AIC has a vital role in ensuring the agricultural supply industry has a strong and respected voice on the issues that matter most to our Members and the wider supply chain.
The challenges and opportunities facing UK agriculture continue to evolve, and I am committed to building on the strong foundations established by Jonathan and previous Chairs as we continue to support a productive, competitive and sustainable industry."
Welcoming his successor, Jonathan Lane said: “It has been a privilege to serve as AIC Chair and represent our Members during a period of significant change for the sector. I am delighted to hand over to Ronan, whose experience and leadership will help drive AIC forward as it continues to enhance its representation, relevance, and support for Member businesses across the UK”.
AIC Chief Executive Robert Sheasby said: "I would like to thank Jonathan for his leadership, commitment and contribution during his time as Chair. He has played an important role in strengthening AIC's position as the trusted voice of the agricultural supply industry across the UK agri-food stakeholder landscape, and for his support to me during his time as Chair too.
I look forward to working with Ronan as we continue to champion the interests of our Members and help shape the future of UK agriculture."
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.
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Wendy Ford, Communications Manager, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
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Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
