Jack Watts

Sustainability Group Lead at National Farmers' Union

Speaker

Jack Watts is the Sustainability Group Lead at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), where he leads policy work to ensure UK agriculture can meet sustainability and climate goals while maintaining competitive, resilient farm businesses. His focus is on shaping pragmatic, evidence-based policies that work for farmers on the ground, while delivering against national and international environmental ambitions.

Jack’s career began at the Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) and developed through a series of positions at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). With a strong background in agricultural economics, he built a reputation for clear market analysis and strategic insight. He played a key role in supporting the industry through major disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crises, helping farmers and supply chains adapt to extraordinary pressures.

Raised in Devon, Jack’s farming roots run deep — his father continues to run the family farm — grounding his professional work with an authentic understanding of farming realities. He holds a degree in Agriculture from the University of Nottingham and is passionate about supporting UK farmers in navigating change, ensuring that policy reflects both ambition and practical delivery.