Alice Brown
Alice Brown leads the strategic engagement team in Defra’s Farming and Countryside Programme.
Her team works with farmers, industry bodies and senior stakeholders to shape and share the government’s plans for farming in England.
At the heart of this work is talking and listening: creating space for open conversations about what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change. This happens in person and online.
She has held roles across the Cabinet Office, FCDO, Home Office and Defra, working on high-priority issues including EU exit and immigration. Her experience spans policy development, insight and evaluation, stakeholder engagement and legislation. She has led high-performing teams to develop new government functions and built trusted relationships in complex and sensitive areas.
Alice believes in testing, adapting and refining how government works across the system, to improve outcomes for the people it serves and support its efficient and effective delivery.
If you'd like to know more about the work of Alice and her team, or share feedback, email FCPEngagement@defra.gov.uk
Related content and links
About us
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Programme (FCP).
On this blog, we explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.
We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved.
Talk to us
This week, we’ll be at the following auction marts between 9-12pm:
- 21 August Hallworthy in Cornwall
- 22 August Exeter in Devon
On 23 August, say hello to the team at the Wensleydale Show in North Yorkshire.
You can find us at these agricultural shows and conferences in 2025.
Get advice
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.
Webinars in 2025
Sustainable Farming Incentive update (12 May 2025)
Those who started an SFI application within 2 months of 11 March 2025 but did not submit it by that date will be given 6 weeks to complete an application, subject to specific restrictions, including a cap of £9,300 per year per agreement.
Read the full update from Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner.