Chairman of Lantra’s National Council for Wales

Lionel Walford was appointed Chairman of Lantra's National Council for Wales in July 2009. His appointment being part of a wider initiative to ensure Lantra Sector Skills Council remains fully employer-led, with four strengthened National Councils across the United Kingdom.

Lionel Walford, a recruitment and performance assessor for a variety of government departments and former Director of Agriculture in Wales, has many years of experience in agriculture and agriculture-related organisations. He also serves as an independent member of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales, Chairman of the Welsh Levy Board and Chairman of Quality Welsh Food Certification Ltd.

Lionel Walford said: “I was very pleased to be given this opportunity to assist in the further development of Lantra’s strategic role within Wales. The environmental and land-based sector makes a significant contribution to the economy of Wales and will play an increasing role in ensuring Wales meets future targets related to climate change, countryside management, food and energy security.”

Lionel Walford, Chairman of Lantra's National Council for Wales

Lantra’s Council for Wales plays a key role in Lantra’s work as it is essential to have a strong employer body that can steer policy decisions and seek to influence developments on behalf of the sector. Council members will also promote to farmers and other rural businesses the critical importance of investment in skills, innovation, new technologies and ways of working as essential to surviving the recession and for future success.

Kevin Thomas, Lantra’s National Director Wales said: “We are pleased to welcome Lionel on board as Chairman of Lantra’s Council for Wales. His experience will ensure we will continue to develop our engagement with employers and key partners within the sector and identify innovative ways to assist training and skills development during what are for many, difficult trading conditions.”

Lantra’s vital role in the sector highlights concerns and identifies training issues, working with high profile partners. In Wales these include the Countryside Council for Wales, Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency Wales, Farming Connect, as well as strong industry and training provider representation.

Peter Martin, Lantra Chief Executive commented: “Lionel’s appointment in Wales is the next step towards strengthening the role of our National Council. With so many education, skills and rural policy decisions now made at country level, we need to be at the heart of the whole decision-making process and ensure the right policy outcomes are adapted which benefit the sector. In these challenging economic times it’s even more important the industries’ voice is heard and we meet the needs of the sector.”