NFU relaunches 'Students and Young Farmers' membership to encourage Brexit opinions

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said it is 'essential' young farmers voice opinions
NFU Vice President Guy Smith said it is 'essential' young farmers voice opinions

The National Farmers Union has relaunched its free 'Students & Young Farmers' membership to help ensure the younger farming generation shapes any future domestic agricultural policy post-Brexit.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said it was "essential" that young farmers and growers had their say on what they wanted from the farming landscape in years to come.

NFU Students & Young Farmers membership is free to Young Farmers' Clubs members and students under the age of 26.

The NFU has put together an extensive options paper on what its members feel should be the organisation’s lobbying priorities and, as part of this, is hosting 50 events up-and-down the country.

"This exercise seeks to address issues that could shape agricultural policy well into the future, therefore it is really important we involve the younger generation of farmers," said Mr Smith.

"We are delighted to be involving YFC in this way and we'd like to see as many younger faces at these meetings as possible.

"We realise this is a very busy time of year on farm but it's imperative we show some urgency in making progress in the consultation process."

NFU next generation board chairman Richard Bower, a former Harper Adams student, said it is an "absolutely critical time" for younger farmers and growers to take part in discussions about the future of farming in this country.

"I’d encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the chance to engage with the NFU about such an important topic, which is affecting us now and will shape our future," Mr Bower said.

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) have launched a new post-Brexit online survey to ensure young peoples’ views are considered as part of a future British Agricultural Policy.

The survey is open to all Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (YFC) members and those interested in supporting young people in agriculture.