Jones, who will join the NFU in April, previously worked at the NFU from 2002 until 2011, before leaving to join the Food and Drink Federation as its director of communications.
NFU president Meurig Raymond said: “The farming industry is seeing a great many challenges and I firmly believe that Terry is the right person to lead the NFU.
‘Skill, passion and drive’
“Terry has always understood that members are the strength of the NFU and I am confident that the skill, passion and drive he will bring to the role will ensure we are in a very strong position, now and in the future.”
Raymond also revealed “some extremely strong candidates”, both from within and outside the organisation, had applied for the role and he thanked them for their interest.
‘Such a crucial time’
Jones said: “Looking to the road ahead, it is vital that this nationally important sector has a strong voice and I am delighted to be returning to the NFU at such a crucial time. I look forward to leading the organisation’s professional staff and working with its members to ensure that British agriculture thrives.”
He replaces Andy Robertson who retired from the NFU in October 2015.
Jones succeeded Food Manufacture columnist Claire Cheney at the helm of the PTF in May 2014.
Watch Jones setting out his plans for the PTF in this exclusive video interview filmed last March.