Government food and drink strategy head appointed
His full portfolio included EU Exit Readiness, Food Chain, Animal Welfare, Forestry and Climate Change Adaptation.
These responsibilities will cover innovation and productivity in the food and drink sector, promoting and supporting growth of British food and drink exports, as well as covering domestic policy, regulation and legislation for food and drink and promoting Great British food.
Before entering politics, Rutley held positions at Asda and PepsiCo International.
Meanwhile, Minister Eustice will lead on the agricultural dimensions of the industrial strategy, as well as on negotiating geographical indications (GIs) as part of any international agreements. Eustice will continue to be responsible for farming productivity and innovation, support to farming businesses, and farming markets, sectors and standards.
On his new portfolio, Defra Minister David Rutley said: "It is an honour to join the Defra Ministerial team at such an important time. I am determined to ensure that we fully realise the opportunities of leaving the EU, building on the hard work and excellent efforts of my new colleagues, so we can fulfil our pledge to leave our environment in a better state than we found it and deliver a truly Green Brexit.
“I am very keen to support our food and drink sector across the whole supply chain, from farm to fork. Working closely with Farming Minister George Eustice, I look forward to championing the very best British food and drink and helping the industry to lead the world and boost exports further.”
