The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director for Wales, Jon Parker. 

Jon has worked primarily in the agri-food, fisheries, aquaculture and rural development sectors and has extensive experience of the issues facing these sectors in Wales. His knowledge and understanding of Welsh Government, food businesses development and investment will further strengthen the existing team which includes Chris Nott, FFCC Chair (and Capital Law Managing Partner), and Kate Hamilton, Wales National Nature Service co-ordinator.

The FFCC Wales work is focussed on opportunities afforded by the distinctive Welsh legal and policy framework to make rapid progress towards a more sustainable future.  FFCC’s Wales Field Guide for Future Generations report was published in summer 2020. The focus has been on ensuring fair and healthy food systems are integrated into decisions about well-being, land use and resources; promoting agroecology; developing a National Nature Service; and increasing (and directing) resources for a just transition to more sustainable food, farming and countryside.

Jon is eager to build on FFCC’s work so far in Wales and says:

“I’m really looking forward to joining the FFCC team and I’m particularly keen to help ensure businesses and communities across Wales get the resources they need to adapt to the challenges ahead.”

Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive of FFCC says:

“I am thrilled that Jon has accepted the role. His extensive experience across sectors, and thorough understanding of Welsh issues, will add enormously to our programme of activity.  Jon’s passion for developing more adaptable and resilient food, farming and countryside sectors is exactly what we were looking for.”

Chris Nott, FFCC Wales Chair, also welcomed Jon saying:

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to recruit Jon to work with us in Wales. I’m looking forward to working with him to accelerate progress and ensure Welsh businesses can seize the opportunities to flourish in a new green economy.”