NFU officeholder elections hot up as candidates throw their hats into ring

Guy Smith – current deputy president (standing for deputy president)

“I was very proud to see my home county, Essex, nominate me to continue in my current role. I have no ambition to challenge Minette, who I think is doing a first-class job at the helm.

“I think the current trio of Minette, Stuart and myself have proven an effective team, and given where we are in terms of Brexit, it makes sense for that team to continue to lead the NFU.

“Given that chance, I would relish the opportunity.”

Stuart Roberts – current vice president (standing for vice and deputy president)

“My current role as vice president has been hugely rewarding and I believe we have worked well under Minette’s leadership.

“I am delighted to have been nominated for both the vice and deputy positions, and if re-elected as an officeholder, it would be a huge honour to serve the membership for a further two years during such an important period for the agriculture sector.”

Tom Bradshaw – crops board chair (standing for vice president)

“Delighted to have a nomination for NFU vice president. The challenges we are facing over the next decade are very real, but with change there will always be opportunity and we need to position ourselves to adapt and grasp those opportunities.”

David Exwood – West Sussex chairman (standing for vice president)

“Farming is going to head in [a different] direction post-Brexit. [And there are other] changes coming with climate change.

“We need to appeal outside the industry to make people recognise what a great industry we are. I am a first generation farmer and I think I can offer that.

“The other thing is delivering for members. I am a farmer and I get it. I understand where they are at and how they feel because I do it myself.”