Farmers Weekly Awards 2022: Lifetime Achievement
© Tenant Farmers Association Farmer’s Weekly’s Lifetime Achievement 2022 award goes to George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA).
George has worked tirelessly on behalf of tenant farmers for 25 years, fighting their corner and raising awareness of the issues they face.
In the quarter of a century Belfast-born George has been chief executive of the TFA, he’s promoted members’ interests, in tandem with making a huge contribution to the landlord-tenant sector and agriculture more widely.
He’s someone who sees TFA members not just as people who pay subscriptions, but as his extended family. Testament to this are the close friendships he’s formed with many.
See also: Farmers Weekly Awards 2021: Lifetime Achievement
What makes George our winner?
- Supported tenant farmers for decades
- Passionate about small and family farms
- Strong advocate for landlord-tenant system
- Contribution to wider industry issues
- Charity work
- Church role
Though not from a farming background, George came to England in 1985 to study Economics and Agricultural Economics at the University of Nottingham, before completing a Masters at Reading University.
He had a spell working as an agricultural economist at Maff, followed by three years at the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) as a rural economics adviser, before being recruited by the late Reg Haydon to the post of TFA chief executive in 1997.
He soon established himself as a key advocate for tenants’ issues, as well as for farmers and the rural way of life.
Praise for George’s work at the TFA
Mark Coulman, TFA national chairman
“Countless TFA members will be eternally grateful for the advice, support and reassurance George has given them.
“He’s not afraid to fight his corner, but is always thoughtful and professional, and shows huge empathy for others.
“He keeps members’ needs uppermost in his mind, while appreciating the importance of understanding other people’s positions, recognising the wider issues and accepting the need to sometimes compromise.
“George is a huge asset to both the TFA and the wider industry.”
David Fursdon, landowner and former president of the CLA
“George and I have crossed paths many times over the past couple of decades.
“The landlord and tenant system is one in which we both passionately believe – and there’s always been a lot of common ground between us.
“He’s a strong negotiator, but always considerate, kind and wise. George has made a huge contribution to our sector and his performance at the TFA has been remarkable.
“He’s looked after his members, made some very convincing arguments, engaged with the media and, day-in-day-out, worked tirelessly for members.”
Alongside his other commitments, George is an elder and on the senior leadership team at All Nations Christian Centre, an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading.
He was worship leader there for many years – inspiring congregations with his sermons (contemporaries in the agricultural world may be unaware he’s an accomplished guitar player and has a great singing voice).
He is also a trustee at the Arthur Rank Centre, an ecumenical charity supporting rural Christians and churches, plus he served as chairman of trustees for the Farming Community Network between 2010 and 2015.
George’s eldest daughter, Alex, says: “He inspires me every day, he is so passionate about our industry and fully commits himself to being an advocate for so many individuals and families across the UK.
“He does all of this while being an encouraging and supportive dad to me and my two sisters, Caitlin and Morgan, a gentle and caring husband to my mum, Sharon, and a leader in our church.
“He works incredibly hard, but always makes time for us. We don’t know how he does it!”
Merlo sponsors Farmers Weekly Awards 2022 Lifetime Achievement
“It is a great honour to assist in shining a spotlight on the significant contribution to our industry made by George Dunn. As a third-generation, family-owned business ourselves, Merlo understands the importance of creating opportunities for tenant farming families and their businesses to evolve.
“The TFA has clearly demonstrated how it can assist in safeguarding those opportunities, while paving the way for new entrants, thus ensuring sustainability and succession for tenant farmers. We congratulate George on making such a tremendous difference.”
Shaun Groom, Merlo UK general manager