Mum’s pledge to sector after taking on leading role at NFU
A mother of three whose family has farmed in Yorkshire for 500 years has pledged to champion the needs of the agricultural sector after being named as the National Farmers’ Union’s next Director General.
Sophie Throup, whose mixed family-run farm at Nun Monkton, near York produces milk, arable crops and free-range eggs, is set to lead the most influential voice in British agriculture, representing over 44,000 farming and growing businesses across England and Wales, from May.
She said she wanted to ensure the union was relevant to everybody and would set out to listen to as many farmers as possible, having already heard some of the challenges facing farming at home, from her dairy farmer husband and three children, two of whom work on the farm and one who is studying for a degree apprenticeship at Morrisons.
Mrs Throup said: "I’ve always felt that whatever role I’ve done I’ve had direct feedback right from the source. My family on my mum’s side have been farming since 1500 in East Yorkshire.
"They are much more beef, pigs and arable. That’s what my family background brings. It does help. Obviously it makes you feel like really sense and feel and know the frustrations and challenges that the farming industry is facing, but also the genuine opportunities and excitement about things to come too. “There are lots of challenges, but there is also lots of space for us to work together and be positive about as well.”
The role will see Mrs Throup tackling issues including the transition to post-subsidy agriculture and environmental land management schemes to food security, global trade, and evolving consumer expectations and setting a strategic direction for the union.
She will join the NFU from Myton Food Group where she has been Senior Director since 2023 and brings with her experience in manufacturing, processing and retail, having previously held the role of Head of Agriculture at Morrisons.
Her experience in the food supply chain is preceded by a decade in the veterinary sector and time in non-executive and advisory roles, including with Defra as part of the Trade and Agriculture Commission’s development.
She said: “It’s about understanding each other at the end of the day.
"I’m very fortunate across my career I’ve worked lots of different aspects of the supply chain, so I think that understanding of what goes on in the inside of organisations is super helpful.
"Everybody does things for a reason and being able to understand different ways of working and be able understand how we can then communicate that with and listen to members hopefully makes me effective and able to help our office holders as well.
“With our family farming back home in Yorkshire, my roots have always been in agriculture, and I know how important this period of change is for the sector.
"I am a great believer of strength in unity, something the NFU has at its core, and I’m looking forward to working with and listening to our members to help make a positive difference for farming in England and Wales.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “I’d like to welcome Sophie to the NFU and we are delighted with her appointment at this pivotal time for the farming industry.
"She brings with her a wealth of experience in the commercial and animal health sectors alongside a clear passion for farming and food production.
"I look forward to working with her to deliver a thriving, vibrant NFU that creates opportunities for our members.”