BBC broadcaster and author Tom Heap has been appointed as president of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists.
Best known as a presenter of Countryfile and Radio 4’s Costing the Earth, Tom has spent more than two decades reporting on farming, food, the environment and rural affairs.
He previously worked as the BBC’s rural affairs correspondent and continues to report on wildlife, agriculture, energy and environmental issues across television and radio.
Tom is also the author of Land Smart, which explores how land can be managed to support both people and nature, and previously wrote 39 Ways to Save the Planet, based on the podcast of the same name.
Speaking about his appointment, Tom said he couldn’t imagine taking on a better presidential role.
“Telling stories from the farm has never been more important and the means of telling them have never been more varied,” he said.
“As a broadcaster and author, I know a little about books, studios and talking to cameras in fields, but I am keenly aware that most Guild members are in different brands of journalism and communications, and with deeper subject knowledge. I look forward to learning from them.
“Farming is facing an ever growing ‘to-do’ list – food production, carbon storage, energy generation, nature improvement, animal welfare, public access and more – with ever shrinking government support. This makes public engagement more crucial than ever and empathy is key. With good journalism and communications, the public walks in the farmer’s wellies.”
Guild chairman Caroline Stocks said she was delighted to welcome Tom as BGAJ president.
“Tom has an excellent reputation for bringing complex farming and environmental issues to a wide audience, telling stories in a way that help people understand the details of food production and the challenges the industry faces.
“At a time when public and government knowledge and support of farming has bever been more important, Tom’s experience as one of the UK’s leading rural broadcasters will make an excellent ambassador for the guild and its members. We can’t wait to start working with him.”
Tom began his career as a sound engineer at Sky News before joining the BBC News trainee scheme, later becoming a correspondent specialising in rural affairs, science and the environment.
Alongside his work on Countryfile and Costing the Earth, he has presented documentaries for Panorama, fronted the BBC series Animal 24:7 and currently presents Rare Earth on BBC Radio 4 and The Climate Show on Sky News.
As BGAJ president, Tom will support the Guild’s work representing agricultural journalists and communicators while championing high-quality reporting on farming, food and the rural sector.
Harvest Lunch 2026
Our annual harvest celebration is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, colleagues and network with other agricultural communicators.
