NFU begins process of electing new President

The National Farmers' Union has started the process of electing its office holder team in 2014 during NFU Council, after its President Peter Kendall confirmed he would not be standing in the elections.

Nominations for the posts of President, Deputy President and Vice President can now be taken, with a closing date of Wednesday January 15. Hustings will be held following regional board meetings from January 27 2014, with all nominees invited to attend and full NFU members able to attend and ask questions of the candidates.

Kendall, who was voted in as President in 2006, said that he had seen an enormous change in attitudes to farming through his eight-years in office.

“Sir John Beddington’s foresight report and three global food spikes has meant that agriculture’s importance is being increasingly recognised,” said Mr Kendall. “And there is still much work to do in many areas. I have always planned for this to be my final term in office but I will be leaving the NFU in excellent shape.

“There is a wealth of talent and experience out there among NFU members and so I look forward to the elections next year when they will select a new officeholder team to continue the NFU’s work representing and lobbying on behalf of our farmers and growers.

“To be President of the NFU is a huge privilege and I have been extremely fortunate to be part of a great team at the NFU working alongside very able and committed officeholders. I have been supported by the most fantastic, professional NFU staff. The breadth of knowledge, commitment and expertise available to NFU members is unsurpassed in the farming industry – and that has always made me immensely proud.”