THREE Cumbrian agricultural experts have been appointed to serve on the Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel.

Alongside 33 other new recruits, they will supplement 14 existing members whose terms have been extended for a further year.

New members Neil Johnson, Siobhan Stainton and Tessa Wigham have all been appointed until September 2017.

Neil Johnson is employed by the National Trust as a food and farming adviser for the North West region. He has previously worked as a livestock buyer, Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group adviser and BASIS-qualified agronomist.

Siobhan Stainton runs her own farm administration business and is an active partner in the family upland dairy and sheep farm in Cumbria.

Tessa Wigham is a graduate in agricultural sciences, a member of the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators and a partner in a family farm. She is also employed by an agricultural charity and a forestry consultancy business.

Appeals panels meet to consider appeals from farmers and traders against decisions made by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in administering the schemes that it operates. Farming Minister George Eustice then makes a final decision on each appeal taking account of the panel’s recommendations.