Three farmer members of Anglia Farmers have been appointed board directors of the go-ahead agricultural purchasing group.

The arrival of Richard Hirst and Robert Salmon both from Norfolk and Keith Thompson from Northamptonshire to the Anglia Farmers’ board is timed for a smooth transition to cover three retirements over the next two years.

George Bell, chairman of Anglia Farmers, said:

“Richard, Robert and Keith are all very useful additions to the board and while it will be overmanned for a time, we see this as imperative.

“In addition to board work, all directors serve on one or more of our management executive teams so that individual directors have detailed knowledge and experience of key parts of the business.

“It takes time after appointment before one is fully effective as a director – there is so much background and other specific knowledge to pick up. For that reason the board has supported the election of these three gentlemen so that they have a chance to experience the business by the time the planned retirements start.”