AIC Scotland elects Robin Barron as chair
Robin Barron has been elected as chairman of Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) Scotland, succeeding Stephen Kenyon who has served since April 2017. Sarah Bell of Cefetra was elected as vice-chair.
Mr Barron, who is general manager of East of Scotland Farmers, and has served as AIC Scotland vice-chair for the past two years, said, “As agricultural supply chain businesses await the results of post-Brexit trade negotiations, the AIC will provide essential support to members, and a strong unified voice for the industry as we move into a new trading landscape. Agricultural businesses will face significant challenges in the coming years, and I look forward to ensuring that the interests of the Agri-supply industry in Scotland are represented at this crucial time.”
Ian Muirhead, AIC Scotland’s policy manager thanked Mr Kenyon for his hard work and commitment as chairman over the past three and a half years, saying, “During his tenure, Stephen has helped to raise the profile of issues affecting AIC Scotland members. Through his encouragement, AIC Scotland has increased its involvement in policy development and stakeholder engagement in Scotland, allowing us to better protect the interests of the Agri-supply industry as we navigate leaving the EU and negotiating future trade deals. Most recently, his leadership has been of huge support during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Other changes involve AIC Scotland seeds committee, which has elected Colin Dargie of East of Scotland Farmers as chairman, replacing Lorne Watson, while Douglas Gordon of Harleys seed has been elected as vice chair. There are no changes to AIC Scotland feed and arable committees.
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
Oli Hill, Head of Communications, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
[email protected]