Matthew Steel has been confirmed as the new Chair of NFU Scotland’s Next Generation Committee, replacing Orkney’s Peter Moss who held the post since 2017.

Matthew grew up on, and now manages, his family farm in Forfar where they produce potatoes, combinable crops, and free-range eggs. The family also have a few different interests in renewables on farm, including a wind turbine, biomass boiler, solar panels, and a ground source heat pump. An active member of the Union, Matthew has sat on the Next Generation Committee for the past 5 years.

NFU Scotland’s Next Generation Committee brings together a diverse range of young farmers, new entrant farmers, and crofters who meet regularly to discuss opportunities and challenges for their peers. In his new role Matthew will attend the Union’s Board of Directors, gathering the views and priorities of Next Gen members and ensuring that they are represented at the meetings.

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew said: “It is an honour to be elected Chair of the Next Generation Committee and I want to congratulate our past Chair Pete for a fantastic five years in which he has kept the interests of the Next Generation in the spotlight. I am looking forward to the year ahead as we try to achieve our goals while supporting the Presidential Team and wider NFU Scotland membership in any way we can.

“In my time as Committee Chair, I hope to raise awareness of the group and its activities, highlight the importance of effective succession planning, work to benefit the mental health of people working in agriculture, promote training opportunities for those already in the industry, and educate those not already involved about Scottish agriculture.”

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Contact Ruth Oxborrow on 07823 556253