New Chairman of CLA Berkshire branch: ‘This is an uncertain time for farmers, but a period of opportunity too’

The new Chairman of the Berkshire branch of the CLA, David Hill, says it is an ‘unsettled’ time for farming – but there are plenty of opportunities too.

David replaced Andrew Chandler at a committee meeting yesterday (Tuesday), in one of the most important rural roles in the county.

David has spent 20 years in a diverse mix of rural estate management roles, starting with a national firm specialising in estate management and advising the owners of significant country houses.

More recently he has worked at the helm of a charitable trust near Newbury, with a large farming, forestry and residential estate at its core.

He spent time at the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) as agricultural policy advisor, helping shape and advise on agricultural policy in the UK and Brussels. He is a director of the Oxford Farming Conference and a trustee for ARK, the Rivers Trust covering the Kennet and the Pang.

David said: “It is a great honour to be taking over as branch chair for Berkshire at what is a very changeable time for rural businesses, and I look forward to helping represent our members across the county.

“I would like to thank our outgoing chair, Andrew Chandler, for all his leadership and input over the past couple of years. I have big shoes to fill.

“This is a hugely challenging time for farms and rural businesses as policy changes and market turbulence create great uncertainty for those trying to plan for the future of their businesses. There will of course, be opportunities to be had as we navigate this unsettled period, and having the CLA representing the interests of these businesses is a great comfort. The value of this representation has arguably never been so significant as we need these voices heard.”

As Berkshire branch Chairman, David will be representing hundreds of farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the county.

CLA South East Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “We wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Andrew for his tremendous work, ideas and enthusiasm over the course of his chairmanship.

“We are delighted to welcome David into the role and look forward to working closely with him over the next few years.”

Outgoing Chairman Mr Chandler said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure as the Chairman of the Berkshire branch of the CLA. To be able to not only meet and interact with the membership but help champion their concerns and issues through our policy discussions and lobbying has been very rewarding.

“Having the opportunity to hold AGMs at very different estates throughout my three years has certainly been a very interesting element of the role, and highlighted the variation in estates and businesses that the CLA supports.

“I am delighted to hand the chairmanship baton to David Hill who has been instrumental in helping shape the policy discussions within the committee. His knowledge of the issues land and business owners face in the current climate will hold him in good stead during his tenure.”