Mole Valley Farmers has announced the appointment of a new chairman. Stephen Bone will take over from Graeme Cock, who decided to step down at the end of July after 13 years chairing the farmer-owned business. Mr Cock will continue to serve as a non-executive director on the Mole Valley Farmers Board.

Mr Bone brings extensive experience to the role, having served as a non-executive director of the company since 2014, as well as holding a number of other senior positions in national and regional organisations within the agricultural sector.

He said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Mole Valley Farmers and look forward to working with the board, executive team and our farmer shareholders at an exciting and challenging time for the industry.

“Our role as a farmer-owned business is to support our farming customers in producing the best possible milk, dairy products and meat in the most profitable, productive and sustainable way. We must also champion British farming, ensuring food security and profitable, sustainable farming is at the centre of government policy.

“Our unique, cooperative business model delivers industry leading advice with competitive pricing through buying at scale to drive down supply chain costs. To continue doing this we need the support of our Farmer Shareholders, Members and customers. I am excited about what we can achieve as an industry if we come together, work in partnership and support our shared aims and ambitions.”

Mr Cock added: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Mole Valley Farmers and help shape its development, working alongside great colleagues and with the ongoing support of our farmer shareholders and members.

“There are undoubtedly challenges affecting the sector, but we are well placed with Stephen and CEO Jack Cordery to drive the business forward in the coming years. I will continue as a non-executive director and do all I can supporting the board and our three new non-executive directors – Liz Haines, Rob Hues and Harry Pinsent – who have all joined in the last year, not to mention our commercial colleagues and our customers.”

Mr Cordery said: “Graeme has made a significant contribution to Mole Valley Farmers and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him. His guidance and support have been invaluable as the business has navigated its way through many challenges including the Covid pandemic and significant volatility in the market.

“Stephen brings a breadth of experience and strongly believes in the power of cooperation and collaboration. These are key to success for both farmers and our business. The appointment of Stephen, who is a strong leader and truly passionate about British farming, demonstrates the ambition of the board to ensure Mole Valley Farmers continues to serve the best interests of our farming customers, ultimately helping them improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.”