AN experienced farming specialist has been appointed regional director for the National Farmers Union (NFU) in the North East.

Richard Pearson joins the NFU after a varied career in agriculture that has taken him around the country working in the arable, horticulture and allied industry sectors.

He said: “Farming really is a passion for me and I am looking forward to working with our 6,000 members across Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland.

“I come very much from a commercial background, but I hope that will enable me to bring something new to the role, as I find out more about the specific challenges and opportunities facing farmers across the patch.

“Key initial priorities include the implementation of the latest round of CAP reform and looking at how we can develop our ability to cope with the extreme weather patterns that are increasingly affecting the region.

“However to begin with I will be concentrating on meeting as many members as possible and getting a real feel for their needs, aspirations and views on how the NFU can best support their business development.”

Mr Pearson lives in Malton with his wife Polly and his three children Kate, Annie and Tom.