Young farmers elect John Lee OBE as new NFYFC president
John Lee © NFYFC Young farmers have voted unanimously to elect John Lee OBE as the new president of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).
Gathering at the 92nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Leamington Spa on Sunday (21 April), young farmers voted in their new farming and rural leader, who will replace outgoing president Nigel Owens MBE.
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John Lee, a farmer by profession, has been involved with Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) since he was 16 years old, starting out as a member of Newton St Cyres YFC in Devon, before progressing through the organisation in club and county roles, becoming the Chair of NFYFC’s Council.
He is now the first former chairman to become president.
Speaking on his new appointment, NFYFC president John Lee said: “When I received the call from the NFYFC officers inviting me to be president, I was shocked and extremely surprised. It’s such an honour to be the figurehead of such an amazing organisation that has helped shape and influence my own personal and professional life.
“This is the only organisation I have been involved in where the power comes upwards.
“It is the Young Farmers’ Clubs who are the foundation of the organisation and that is the great strength of YFC – it is an organisation that develops people’s skills or gives them opportunities to develop them, and I am looking forward to helping champion that.”
Mr Lee has a strong background in agri-politics, having become the first and only president of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) from England and Wales.
He also chaired the European Exchange Programme on behalf of the EU, and was appointed to the Common Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee by the then agricultural commissioner.