The Welsh branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU Cymru) has appointed Iestyn Pritchard as its new head of operations.
Pritchard will join the senior leadership team at the union and will work with its county advisors and group secretaries to oversee the membership.
He will take over the role from Kevin Owen, who has taken up a new role within the NFU as head of network and subscriptions.
NFU Cymru director, John Mercer, congratulated Pritchard on his appointment and said his role is a vital one within the union.
“…I have no doubt that Iestyn will hit the ground running and do a fantastic job for our members throughout Wales,” he said.
“We continue to grow as an organisation and have seen sustained membership growth in recent years and so Iestyn’s role will be crucial in ensuring that our offer remains relevant and we continue to provide the best possible offering for our membership.”
Speaking on his appointment, Pritchard said: “Welsh farming contributes hugely towards the economic, environmental, and social wellbeing of Wales, as we once again embark on a significant period of change for the industry, these are key messages that need to be heard.
“As an organisation we have a responsibility to ensure that our members are well informed and engaged with policy delivery across a wide range of areas that affect their business.
“Central to this is ensuring that we have a strong and visible network for members to access, offering the best representation both locally and nationally through our established group secretary and county adviser network.”
Iestyn Pritchard
Pritchard is currently NFU Cymru’s county advisor for Anglesey, Mid Gwynedd and Meirionnydd, and NFU Cymru said recruitment for his replacement will take place shortly.
In the meantime, Pritchard will continue in his job as county advisor alongside his new role as head of operations.
Pritchard is a past student of the Welsh Agricultural College in Aberystwyth and the union said he has a “strong background and experience of both lowland and upland farming”.
Before joining NFU Cymru, he worked with the economy and community department at Gwynedd Council as a regeneration officer.
Prior to this, Iestyn worked as a Young Farmers Club (YFC) organiser in Anglesey before starting at Menter a Busnes and, later, the Farming Connect local facilitator team where he became director of operations.
