Terry Jones will depart the role in April 2026, which marks exactly 10 years since he first took up the position.
Prior to starting as NFU director general in April 2016, Jones worked as the director general of the Provision Trade Federation and before that as director of communications at the Food and Drink Federation.
He also spent a number of years in various communications roles at the NFU between 2002 and 2011.
Touching on Jones’ decision to step down, NFU president Tom Bradshaw praised him as a “superb leader” who has steered the organisation through a challenging period for the farming industry.
“We will miss his wise council, inspiring leadership of our staff, his deep knowledge of food and farming, and his understanding of the workings of Whitehall and Westminster,” said Bradshaw.
“While his leadership on the big issues of the day and his political and policy knowledge are obvious, what is less seen outside the NFU is how he has strategically changed the NFU to be a modern, increasingly resilient organisation, delivering better for our members and being able to attract and retain some of the best staff in the business.
“There’s no doubt that his legacy in this regard is one of the key things that has made the NFU fit for the future, as well as more effective in the present.”
Meanwhile, Jones said that the opportunity to serve as NFU director general had been a privilege.
“It has been the privilege of my career to have worked with NFU members, officeholders and our amazing staff towards a better future for British farming and growing,” he commented.
“Ten years feels like the right moment to hand the reins on and to pursue fresh challenges. Until then, my focus will be on continuously improving the operations of the NFU to ensure that it can deliver for members today and in the future.
“My hope is that the longer-than-usual 12-month notice period I will serve will ensure that the NFU has the maximum time possible to appoint a successor as director general, allowing an extensive search and a thorough handover.”
