NFU Scotland’s New Generation Committee voted Port of Mentieth farmer Mark Donald as its new chairman.

36-year-old Mark, a tenant farmer at Rhynaclach and part-time contract stockman, takes over the role from Iain Mackay from Mull.

Mark, who took on the role from Monday 8 February, believes the New Generation Committee need to be at the forefront of the industry. The committee offers a strong voice for young and new farmers operating in a challenging environment.

On his appointment Mark, who was up against four others for the role of chairman, commented: “I’m delighted to take on this role and my aim throughout my time as chairman will be to implement more of a structure into the committee, and obtain greater ‘buy-in’ from all nine regions in Scotland.

“We need people to come forward to get involved in the Union, have a say in setting the priorities of the committee and get involved at all levels.

“We regularly have meetings with women making up half of the attendees. Having active and passionate contributions from women is not just a positive for the group but for the future of Scottish agriculture.

“We are in constant need to improve margins with rising costs, and I will be taking views on board and driving forward changes on behalf of the committee.

“The New Generation committee will offer a strong voice on CAP reform; land reform; Less Favoured Area Support Scheme; environmental expectations and the constant need to improve margins with rising costs.

“My priority is to hold the Scottish Government to account and maintain constructive dialogue on its promises to help new and young farmers. We need answers on the capital grant schemes, environmental schemes and to ensure we have a National Reserve to create an even playing field for future farmers.

“I will push to ensure that the New Generation group is leading within the industry and NFU Scotland on these matters.”

NFU Scotland’s Vice President Andrew McCornick who has a remit for New Generation, commented: “I’d like to thank past chairman Iain Mackay for all his work in the last few years with working with those on the committee and representing their views back into the Union.

“Mark is at the forefront of the new farmers who are coming into this industry and building their own business. He will add real value to NFU Scotland his experience and knowledge to help drive this really important sector of our membership forward.

“I look forward to working with him and the rest of the committee more closely.”

Notes to Editors

• For a photograph of Mark Donald please email media@nfus.org.uk
• Mark Donald, aged 36, has farmed 63Ha grassland at Rhynaclach, Port of Mentieth with his fiancé Harriet since 2013.  The business started from seasonal lets before taking up this opportunity and the couple now run 500+ commercial ewes producing fat and store lambs and are seeking to start a pedigree cattle enterprise. Mark is a part-time contract stockman for 90 head hill beef herd managed for biodiversity gain as well as being agriculturally productive. He also shears during the summer.
  
  Mark was brought up on mixed units in the Angus Glens before studying Animal Science at Aberdeen University. In his working career he has worked in a variety of systems – pig, beef and sheep units from mountain blackfaces to low ground pedigrees all over the UK.

Ends

Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108