Opinion: NFU members must think Europe when picking leaders

I am by nature an optimistic person. I think the England cricket team will win the test series in South Africa. Luton Town football club will finish in the top half of division two.

I even believe that my wife will buy fewer pairs of shoes this year than she did last.

But talk about an EU referendum and my optimism washes away.

I feel exposed and very uncomfortable. I lack control over a situation that will have enormous influence on me.

A bit like accompanying a 17-year-old on their first driving lesson.

We don’t know quite when it will happen – perhaps later this autumn, maybe not until 2017.

What we do know, however, is that in nine weeks’ time the NFU council will elect its top table for its next two-year term.

The in-out vote on Europe will take place on their watch.

I strongly believe that this referendum on whether or not the UK remains in Europe is the most significant vote for the UK farming industry that has taken place in my lifetime.

And what worries me most is how little consideration it is being given by too many farmers. We all have a role to play.

See also: Is it the end for yellow gold?

As I understand it, at the county NFU meetings where nominations were proposed for this imminent election, not one county publicly spoke of the need to consider a candidate’s suitability for leading the NFU’s position on the referendum.

I am not suggesting that every county should be choosing the next NFU president based on who speaks the best French or which candidate sat A-level geography, but the members must think beyond bovine TB, neonicotinoids and movement licences.

This vote goes far beyond the spot price of milk, or the percentage of land devoted to environment schemes. It will impact policies we haven’t yet dreamt about.

This isn’t about Meurig or Minette or Guy or any other candidate whose hat will be thrown into the ring, nor is it about the ability of the NFU council delegate to press the right green or red button on the voting device they use (although rumour has it that has been known to flummox one or two individuals).

It is about the responsibility of NFU members to vote beyond the “now” and consider what farming will look like in 20 years’ time.

The market opportunities, consumers’ allegiance, our labour requirements and the long-term value of sterling.

Farming and farmers within and beyond the NFU must speak with a united voice to make sure that agriculture does not become the fall guy.

Without doubt, farmers and the CAP will come under enormous scrutiny in the run-up to the referendum.

No sector of UK business is more embedded in EU policy than agriculture. But together we must ensure that public criticism targeted at the cost of CAP is not used by government as an opportunity to reduce future investment in the farming and agri-food sector.

UK agriculture would feel very exposed without the close allegiance of the other member states. Should the British people vote to leave Europe we will need strong leadership to reposition ourselves within the UK government.

No longer will we be able to lean on the strength of thousands of European farmers.

The outcome of an EU referendum will have an impact that lasts more than a lifetime.

The farming industry needs to support its leaders for the future, not for themselves.