�ʼһ���

I joined the NFU straight from my Masters and it’s been the best thing I could have done. I started without a specialism on the graduate programme and the organisation has allowed me to grow into various roles and explore new work areas, from environmental management to working specifically with sugar beet growers.

I now work in the food chain team and deal with everything that falls outside of retail, from restaurants, catering and coffee shops to the government procurement of food for the NHS, military and schools.

The food supply chain is incredibly complex and incredibly interesting. Our goal is getting more British food into the supply chain and I really like the fact that our work can provide value to everyone in society. If in a few years’ time we have built more relationships with foodservice and we see more commitment to British sourcing, then for me that’s a job well done.

One thing that I love about the NFU is that it can literally take you anywhere – you’re never tied to the desk. I have been in a police car in North Yorkshire on a rural crime stakeout, in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on public affairs courses and in Berlin for Global Soil Week. The work is so varied, and you never have the same day twice.

For me though, the best thing about working for the NFU (aside from the annual rounders tournament!) has to be the people I work with. Everyone is just really friendly and has such an incredible wealth of knowledge about their specialist subjects that never fails to blow my mind. There are also so many activities you can take part in and it’s great to have an NFU community that goes beyond the 9-5.

I would say that the NFU has not only helped my career, it’s been my career, and I think it’s a fantastic place for young people to grow both personally and professionally.