NFU call for young farmers to join new forum

The NFU is looking to its younger ranks to form a policy board which will help shape the future direction of the organisation.

The Next Generation Policy Forum will provide a platform for discussion on issues likely to affect future generations, an NFU union spokesman said.

Food security, the CAP and bovine TB are just some of the issues that have hit the headlines in recent months, the spokesman said.

“The future of the farming and horticulture industry is in the spotlight, long term decisions taken now will impact on the next generation of farmers and growers, making their input into decisions crucial,” he said.

The panel of 16 will sit for two-year terms, meeting quarterly with the NFU policy teams in Stoneleigh, London and Brussels.

NFU head of policy services Andrew Clark said: “With so many issues facing farming and horticulture that require long term strategies, this forum is the perfect way to engage our younger members who will lead the NFU in the decades to come.

“The future of farming and horticulture is an issue of national importance. Ensuring that the NFU hears the concerns of its younger members now will mean that we will be better prepared for the future in a deeply unstable world.

“We urge any younger farmers and growers who have an interest in helping shape NFU policy to apply, and look forward to working with them to ensure our future is in good hands.”

Parties interested in applying to join the Next Generation Policy Forum need to complete the application form, available from http://www.nfuonline.com/ngpf. Applications should be received by 2nd October 2011.

An NFU Officeholder-led selection committee will consider each application and appoint the forum for its first meeting later this autumn.   

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