Two new senior academic positions in rural policy and food security have been announced at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) at Cirencester.

It is part of its strategy to provide "thought leadership" for the sector post-Brexit.

Professor Tom MacMillan has been appointed Elizabeth Creak Chair in Rural Policy and Strategy, joining from the Soil Association where he is currently Director of Innovation.

His recent work includes establishing the Innovative Farmers network and advising the RSA Food, Farming & Countryside Commission.

Louise Manning will join as Professor of Agri-food and Supply Chain Security. Louise returns to the RAU after three years at Harper Adams University where she is currently Reader in Food Policy and Management.

She has worked for over 30 years in a range of academic and industry roles. Her expertise is in food integrity, including food safety and quality, food crime, governance, social and corporate responsibility.

Prof MacMillan said: "When research and policy have often looked off-farm for answers to the industry's challenges, the RAU has persisted in nurturing the know-how, nous and skills for farmers and rural communities to work out home-grown solutions.

"In the face of today's stark uncertainties, this confidence in the sector's enterprise and initiative looks wiser than ever. It means our University is well placed to provide practical leadership on policy issues, to develop skills the industry needs to respond and to champion farmer-led innovation."

Prof Manning said: "I'm excited to be working to develop and deepen understanding of the integrity of our food and its supply chain as these issues come into sharp focus over the coming years, in both the curriculum here at RAU and in the policy space."

The Rt Hon Michael Jack, chair of the RAU's Governing Council, said: "These two excellent appointments underpin the Governing Council's commitment to support the further strengthening of our academic capability, providing our students with the knowledge and experience they need to prosper in the world of 21st century food and agriculture."