Andrew Le Gallais MBE joined the board in 1987 and was appointed chair in 1999.

The board was established in 1954 to facilitate milk distribution from the Island’s dairy farms.

Mr Le Gallais said that it had been an ‘honour’ to be part of the board due to the ‘confidence and trust’ he has continually received from producers and the government.

‘Our dairy industry might be regarded as a small sector of our economy, but we continue to exert considerable influence on the way of life in our Island as the guardians of our Jersey cow in her Island home.

‘The Jersey Milk Marketing Board and Jersey Dairy have a special responsibility to process and market the unique milk that she provides, thereby adding value to our branded dairy products, enhancing the biodiversity of our countryside, and flying the flag for our Island around the world,’ he said.

Phil Le Maistre, vice chair of the board, who will now take over as chair, described Mr Le Gallais as a ‘hugely respected’ member of the dairy industry.

‘Andrew has the well-deserved reputation of being a leader of the highest integrity applying all his efforts, energies, and selfless commitment to the well-being of the Jersey cow and the dairy farmers in the Island,’ he said.