Nominations sought for President and Vice President roles with voting to take place at Union AGM in Glasgow in February 2023

NFU Scotland is now taking nominations for the positions of President and its two Vice Presidential posts.

The election for these key appointments within Scottish agriculture will take place at the Union’s council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel, 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL on Friday 10 February 2023.  The Union’s AGM and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before (Thursday 9 February).

Any NFUS member can be nominated for election, providing they are proposed and seconded by fellow NFUS members.   The presidential position is held for two years, and a President can serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms.  Under the terms of the constitution, those elected to the position of Vice President will initially serve for two years before the post reverts to an annual election.  Members of NFU Scotland’s council – a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 73 branches - will select the successful candidates.

Current President Martin Kennedy, who farms in Highland Perthshire, will complete his first two-year term at the Union’s forthcoming AGM and has indicated that he will be standing for election for a second two-year term. Vice President Andrew Connon from Aberdeenshire and Vice President Robin Traquair from Midlothian, who were first elected to the positions in 2021 have indicated that they will be standing for re-election as Vice Presidents.  

Anyone wishing to stand as President or Vice President should contact NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker to obtain a proposal form, which must then be signed and returned to him by 5pm on Monday, 12 December 2022.  

Details on who is standing will be announced at the Union’s Christmas Press Briefing on Tuesday 13 December 2022.

Mr Walker said: “The job of electing those who will fill our Presidential seat and the two Vice-Presidential posts is now underway and we invite applications from those keen to lead NFUS and represent the Scottish farming industry.

“Every elected Presidential team faces a set of unique situations.  The challenges are many and the decisions our President and Vice Presidents make help shape Scottish agriculture and its whole supply chain.  They are challenging roles but highly rewarding.  The people who are elected to these posts will hold the most influential positions in Scottish Farming.

“In the run up to our annual general meeting in February 2023 – taking place in Glasgow - we will be holding hustings across all of our regions early in the New Year.  We will also run an on-line hustings event.  I want all members to have an opportunity to speak to the people who come forward to lead the farming industry.

“Holding the elected office of President or Vice President is a great honour.  All the people who put themselves forward have one thing in common, a common goal to do the best for the Scottish farming industry.  

“If potential candidates want to learn about what the roles entail, I am able to provide a full explanation of what is expected of a Vice President and President.  For those keen to represent their fellow Scottish farmers and crofters, these are the most respected and influential positions in our sector.”

Notes to Editors

• Nomination forms for the position of President and Vice President are available from NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker.  Scott can be contacted on 07768654955 or email: scott.walker@nfus.org.uk.  Alternatively, Scott can be contacted in writing at NFU Scotland, Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston, Midlothian, EH28 8LT.  The application period will close at 5pm on Monday, 12 December 2022 and candidates will be announced at the Christmas press briefing on Tuesday 13 December 2022.
• The election will take place at the Union’s Council meeting in Glasgow on Friday 10 February 2023.
• Notice is also given that the Annual General Meeting of the members of NFU Scotland will be held on Thursday 9 February 2023 at 10.15am until 11.30am. The normal business to be conducted will be the consideration of the Directors’ report; the Auditors’ report and the Financial Accounts for the year ended 31 October 2022.
  

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006