Sarah Stewart
(Currently on maternity leave, returning September 2027, covered by Tom Goss).
Sarah oversees engagement planning across the Farming and Countryside Directorate’s priority policy areas, helping to ensure a clear and coordinated approach to engagement: who the team engages with, when and why.
She also leads the delivery of a portfolio of digital engagement products and channels. She established the Farming Blog in 2020 and continues to edit it.
Before joining Defra, Sarah led communications for the Systems Unit in the Cabinet Office, a government team working on some of the UK’s most complex and cross-cutting priorities. In that role, she was the editor of 'Systems Thinking for Civil Servants, a practical guide to applying systems thinking in government.'
Previously, she was a speechwriter in the Cabinet Office and, before joining the Civil Service, a journalist.
Related content and links
Our monthly newsletter
Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
Join our webinars
2 November ADOPT: Help shape the future of chemical store management.
You can join webinars or watch recordings on our webinars page.
Talk to us
30 October Borderway Agri Expo, Borderway, Rosehill, Carlisle.
4 November Northern Farming Conference at Hexham Auction Mart, Hexham, Northumberland.
4 November Agri Fest South West at Westpoint, Exeter.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.
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.
Could your farm help shape the future?
The Farm Business Survey (FBS) gives farmers free, confidential insights into their business, helping them understand performance and see how their farm compares with similar businesses.
By taking part, farmers also help build a better picture of farming in England.
Storing fertiliser safely
If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.
Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.
Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.
