Union Strengthens Policy Team with Two New Recruits
NFU Scotland adds Rural Business Policy Advisor and Climate Change Policy Manager to growing policy team
Zoe Meldrum and Ruth Taylor have joined NFU Scotland as Rural Business Policy Advisor and Climate Change Policy Manager respectively.

The two new additions to the policy team, based at the NFUS head office in Ingliston, are joining the Union at an incredibly exciting time for the industry and their roles will be building on the already highly regarded lobbying work being done.
Climate change has become an increasingly important issue for Scotland’s farmers and crofters, and the Union has reflected this with the hiring of Ruth Taylor as Climate Change Policy Manager.
Ruth joins NFU Scotland having spent the last two years at the Scottish Parliament where she worked on environment and rural affairs issues. Prior to that, Ruth has worked abroad in China and received a degree in law from Glasgow University and a Master’s in International Law and Sustainable Development from Strathclyde University.
Following her appointment, Ruth said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at an exciting time for Scottish agriculture. I look forward to contributing to NFU Scotland’s work on climate change and working to ensure that Scottish farmers and crofters are recognised for the work already being done to tackle climate change.”
The position of Rural Business Policy Advisor, which is being filled by Zoe Meldrum, covers another policy area which has been prioritised by NFU Scotland and its members.
The role of Rural Business Policy Advisor means that Zoe will be directly involved with policy areas which affect NFUS member’s business and will aim to support them as much as possible.
Zoe grew up in the Scottish Borders and completed an undergraduate degree in Geology and Physical Geography and a Master’s in Environmental Protection and Management from the University of Edinburgh. Upon graduation, Zoe has held a range of roles within the Scottish food and drink industry, including the Industry Development Team at Scotland Food & Drink.
Looking at her new role with NFU Scotland, Zoe commented: “Business functionality underpins all aspects of farming I am looking forward to supporting members as Rural Business Policy Advisor. It is essential firms are empowered to adapt to ever-changing landscape and I can’t wait to play my role in supporting rural businesses in achieving their ambitions.”
Commenting on both the new appointments, Head of Policy Gemma Cooper said: “Ruth and Zoe are excellent additions to our well respected policy team and I look forward to working with them both.
“Both bring strong technical knowledge, a background in rural affairs and an understanding of the issues facing our farmers. Their appointment underlines an ongoing commitment from NFUS to actively invest in policy areas that keep our members interests at forefront of policy discussions.”
Notes to Editor
- Photographs of Zoe Meldrum and Ruth Taylor are available by request from media@nfus.org.uk
Ends
Contact Douglas Ross on 0131 472 4059
Author: Douglas Ross
Date Published: 29/10/2019
News Article No.: 151/19
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