Sophie Throup named new NFU Director General

UK – The National Farmers Union has appointed Sophie Throup as its next director general, marking a leadership shift at one of the UK’s most influential farming bodies.

Throup will succeed Terry Jones, who steps down in the spring after ten years in the role. She will join the NFU on May 5, moving from Myton Food Group where she has served as senior director since 2023.

The NFU said Throup brings broad experience across farming, food processing and retail. She previously worked as head of agriculture at Morrisons and has held non executive roles with Assured Food Standards and the Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials.

She has also worked with the UK government through Defra advisory groups linked to animal health, welfare and trade.

Throup grew up on a mixed family farm in Yorkshire that produces milk, arable crops and free range eggs. She has often spoken about the value of close ties between farmers, retailers and policy makers.

In recent years, she helped set up the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University alongside Morrisons, the NFU and McDonald’s, a project focused on research, training and practical support for farmers.

“It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the NFU and take this great organisation forward with energy, commitment and a clear vision for its future,” Throup said.

She stressed the importance of unity within the sector at a time of change. “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,” she said. “I am a great believer of strength in unity, something the NFU has at its core.”

Industry response and transition

NFU president Tom Bradshaw welcomed the appointment and praised Throup’s background. “We are delighted with her appointment at this pivotal time for the farming industry,” he said. “She brings with her a wealth of experience in the commercial and animal health sectors alongside a clear passion for farming and food production.”

Bradshaw also thanked outgoing director general Terry Jones for leading the union through what he described as one of the most difficult periods for UK agriculture.

The NFU said Throup will focus on listening to members and working closely with farmers and growers across England and Wales as policy and market pressures continue to shape the sector.

Similar moves abroad

The NFU appointment comes as other major farm groups also refresh leadership. In Australia, the National Farmers’ Federation recently named Michael Guerin as its new chief executive officer. Guerin will take up the role in March 2026, replacing interim chief executive Su McCluskey.

Guerin has led NSW Farmers and previously served as chief executive of AgForce Queensland. The NFF said his background in farming advocacy and agribusiness positions him well to represent members at a national level.

Together, the appointments point to a wider focus on strong leadership and closer engagement with farmers as agricultural groups respond to policy shifts, cost pressures and changing expectations from food supply chains.

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