National Farmers’ Union (NFU) East Anglia regional director Pamela Forbes is moving to a new role as head of the NFU’s sugar team.

Pamela, who has led the regional team for the past 16 years, takes over as NFU chief sugar adviser in April.

“It’s a genuine privilege to have led the region for such a lengthy period, during what has been a real roller-coaster ride for British agriculture,” she said.

“I believe the NFU has made a real difference on behalf of farmers and growers. Today, with our team of county advisers, we are in even better shape to provide professional representation and services to members and to ensure their voice is heard.

“Sugar is a hugely important crop for farmers in East Anglia so I will continue to maintain strong links with the region and the members who have given me so much support during my time as Regional Director.

“With the European Union axing sugar quotas from 2017 this is a pivotal moment to be joining the NFU’s sugar team and I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”

Pamela is originally from Caithness, the most northerly county in mainland Britain.

She acquired a degree in agriculture at Aberdeen University and worked for ADAS in Newcastle and Lancashire and as an adviser for the Scottish Agricultural Colleges. Before moving to East Anglia she worked for nine years as senior policy adviser and deputy regional director for the NFU’s old Central region.

The NFU says her regional successor will be announced shortly.