The Agricultural Industries Confederation, which represents companies working in the farm supply chain, has appointed RDP Marketing as its new communications partner.
In its new role, specialist agribusiness communications agency RDP will develop the AIC’s role as the UK’s agri-supply trade association.
The AIC represents more than 240 members across multiple sector, working on their behalf by ensuring they are well-informed and represented on industry issues.
Responsible for some £8.5bn of farm trade, members include crop protection and agronomy companies as well as feed, fertiliser and seed firms.
RDP managing director and guild member Angus Chalmers (pictured above) said: “AIC is one of the most important voices in UK agriculture.
“These are exciting times for agriculture but are also times of great change and uncertainty.
“We look forward to working closely with the AIC team and their membership as they continue their vital work in shaping the industry’s future.”
AIC services include lobbying policy makers and stakeholders, providing trade assurance and offering technical support.
AIC chief executive Robert Sheasby said RDP would play a key role in helping the AIC develop the agenda for the agri-supply sector.
“We’re really pleased to be working with the highly skilled and well-connected team at RDP,” he said.
“Their strategic approach to ag marketing, focus on results and experience in creating successful campaigns for big brands meant they were the obvious choice”.
Mr Sheasby added: “More than any time in recent history, the agriculture industry needs a united voice speaking on its behalf – [and] in AIC, it has one.
“Together with RDP, we will continue to make sure our members’ opinions are heard and their interests represented.”
RDP takes over from Geoff Dodgson, who has provided public relations and marketing services for the AIC since it was founded in 2003.
Geoff, who is also honorary chaplain for the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, has begun training for ordination in the Church of England.
He said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with AIC from its very inception.
“The confederation has come a long way in establishing the agrisupply industry as a vital part of the whole food and farming sector.”
