NFU hires campaigns head to boost farmers’ image

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has restructured its communications department and appointed Beverley Wilson to the newly created role of campaigns manager in a drive to improve the image of farmers.

The roles of editor, chief press officer and public relations manager have been replaced by campaigns manager, publications manager and media relations manager as the organisation prepares for a relocation from London to Warwickshire

Wilson, formerly Le Bureau de L’Agriculture Britannique assistant director in Brussels, will take up the post at the end of April as the NFU gears up to launch the results of research highlighting the benefits of EU expansion for British agricultural producers and consumers.

Reporting to director of comms Rachel Oliver, Wilson will be expected to emphasise the role of the NFU as an organisation that runs consumer-facing campaigns to promote British farmers as sound businesspeople to the general public.

‘Farmers are often unfairly represented in the press. I intend to slay some of the myths and legends surrounding the farming industry,’ Wilson said.

The publications manager appointment is yet to be confirmed and the media relations manager post is set to be readvertised next week.