The CEO of Foyle Food Group, Terry Acheson, and his counterpart in the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Wesley Aston, are among a list of 31 names from across the UK appointed to a new agri-food group advising the UK government on future trade.

Agri-food is one of 11 sector-specific groups established by the government, with each group expected to meet at least three times per year.

“This is about bringing business closer to the negotiating table and using their expertise to help secure the best possible deals that deliver jobs and growth across Britain. Talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand are entering their crucial latter stages, so it is only right that we step up engagement with vital industries to utilise their technical and strategic expertise,” explained UK international trade secretary Liz Truss.

Other members of the agri-food group include the chief executive of the National Sheep Association, Phil Stocker, Nick von Westenholz from the National Farmers Union (NFU) and Jonathan Hall from NFU Scotland.

Von Westenholz is among a number of people who are also on the Trade and Agriculture Commission, announced in July, to advise government on future trade policy. However, while its remit looks very similar to the new trade group, it has a limited lifespan, and is expected to produce a final report by the end of the year.

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