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
In this post, we share how the Farming and Countryside Programme is talking and listening to farmers across the country – and where you can meet us at upcoming events to share your experiences and thoughts first-hand.
Say hello to the team this October.
29 October Norfolk Landscapes Conference & Exhibition, Norfolk, Norwich
31 October Borderway Agri Expo, Rosehill, Carlisle
You can find us at these agricultural shows and conferences in 2025 and 2026.
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.
