NFU Scotland elections: Runners and riders reveal plans

The NFU Scotland presidential elections come at a critical time for farming as Scotland’s agricultural policies undergo dramatic shifts in the wake of Brexit.

As the country finalises its post-Brexit agricultural landscape, the outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications for the future of Scottish farming.

Candidates for both the president and two vice-president roles are positioning themselves as the leaders who will navigate this challenging period, ensuring that farmers and crofters across Scotland have the support they need.

See also: Scottish government pledges £660m to support farmers

The election will take place during the union’s annual general meeting in Glasgow on 7 February 2025, with the president and two vice-presidents to be chosen by the council for a two-year term.

These elections will not only shape the future of NFU Scotland (NFUS) but also determine its relationship with the Scottish and UK governments, along with the industry at large.

Here’s a closer look at the candidates and their visions for the future of Scottish farming.

Andrew Connon

Championing practical change for Scottish farmers

© Supplied by Andrew Connon

Andrew Connon, currently vice-president of NFUS, is keen to bring his extensive experience in agricultural finance and business management to the role of president.

With a 150ha mixed farm in Aberdeenshire, Mr Connon has a practical understanding of the challenges facing farmers and is committed to finding realistic solutions that will allow the agricultural industry to thrive.

One of his key priorities is campaigning for the retention of agricultural property relief.

He has made it clear that he will “not give up” on this issue, which he sees as vital for protecting farmers’ livelihoods alongside looming increases to taxation on imported fertiliser and other financial pressures.

His approach to leadership is rooted in a commitment to teamwork and relationship building.

He believes in working closely with government officials, farmers, and other stakeholders to secure better policies for the sector.

An advocate for the growth of the union’s membership, Mr Connon insists that expanding the union’s reach to include not just farmers and crofters but the entire agricultural supply chain is crucial.

“Without farmers and crofters, there is no supply chain,” he says, emphasising the need for a united agricultural front.

Beyond membership growth, Mr Connon is also keen to push for greater investment in farming, calling for multi-annual, ring-fenced budgets to ensure long-term stability.

Climate change and technological innovation are also top priorities for Mr Connon, who is determined to harness new technologies to help Scottish farmers tackle environmental challenges while maintaining profitability.

“We must defend farming and crofting across Scotland, and I have the fire in my belly to do so,” he says.

Alasdair Macnab

A voice for rural communities and no nonsense approach

© Supplied by Alasdair Macnab

Alasdair Macnab, another current vice-president of NFU Scotland, brings a different set of experiences to the table.

Farming in Dingwall with a pedigree Limousin herd, Mr Macnab is deeply committed to ensuring that the needs of rural communities are front and centre in the ongoing debate about Scotland’s farming future.

Mr Macnab, who has served as vice-president of the union since 2023, is a former government vet with a strong focus on climate change and land use policies.

His leadership style is characterised by a no-nonsense, results-oriented approach.

Known for his negotiating skills and strong advocacy for farmers and crofters, Mr Macnab is not afraid to take on tough issues headfirst.

“I rarely start an argument which I haven’t won,” he says, reflecting his determination to secure positive outcomes for the farming community.

In addition to his climate policy work, Mr Macnab is passionate about creating new opportunities for the next generation of farmers, particularly through education.

He supports introducing school programmes that teach children where their food comes from, and hopes to build a stronger connection between young people and the agricultural industry.

Mr Macnab is also keen to address the growing concerns around land use in Scotland.

As rewilding and housing development increasingly compete for land, he wants farmers to have a seat at the table when these critical decisions are made.

“We need to be at that table to have an influence on these decisions,” he says, calling for a balanced approach that considers the needs of all stakeholders.

Michael Davis

Transparency and opportunity for young farmers

© Supplied by Michael Davis

Michael Davis, a first-generation farmer from Aberdeenshire, brings a fresh perspective to the race for vice-president.

With a focus on improving transparency within NFUS, Mr Davis aims to make the union more accessible and responsive to its members’ concerns.

A member of of the union for over 13 years, Mr Davis believes it must be more transparent in its operations, particularly in how decisions are made at the top levels.

“We need to listen more attentively to our members,” he says, emphasising the importance of making the union more responsive to grassroots concerns.

One of his proposals includes hiring an independent market research group to ensure members can voice their concerns without fear of repercussion.

Mr Davis is also deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by new entrants to the farming industry.

He recognises the barriers posed by the high cost of land and the reluctance of banks to offer loans to young farmers.

To counter this, he advocates initiatives such as starter farms and tenancy schemes that would provide new farmers with a viable path into agriculture.

“Without young people in the industry, NFUS will decline and die,” he says, stressing that supporting the next generation of farmers is key to the long-term success of Scottish agriculture.

Duncan Macalister

Strengthening collaboration and tackling rural connectivity

© Supplied by Duncan Macalister

Duncan Macalister, chairman of the Argyll and Isles region, has been involved with NFU Scotland for more than 25 years, and is now looking to take on a more prominent leadership role.

Mr Macalister runs an 809ha mixed livestock farm on the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula.

He is keen to leverage his extensive experience to improve communication, collaboration, and connectivity within the farming sector.

His primary focus is building stronger relationships within the agricultural community, both in Scotland and across the wider UK farming network.

He would like to see greater co-operation between farming unions to address shared challenges.

The current agricultural property relief and business property relief issues are two examples where he feels joint action could yield tangible benefits for all.

One of Mr Macalister’s unique priorities is improving ferry services for farmers in the islands.

“The connectivity to get to these islands is pitiful,” he says, pointing to the lack of livestock transport options as a serious issue for farmers in island communities.

He is committed to working with the next presidential team to push for better ferry services, which he describes as a “national disaster” for Scottish agriculture.

Robert Neill

Supporting tenant farmers and promoting membership growth

© Supplied by Robert Neill

Robert Neill, a tenant farmer in the Scottish Borders, brings a strong focus on membership and the future of tenant farming to his bid for vice-president.

He manages a mixed operation that includes cereals and suckler cows, and is passionate about ensuring Scottish farmers – particularly tenants – have the support they need to succeed.

One of Mr Neill’s main priorities is improving membership engagement and promoting NFU Scotland to non-members across the country.

“I want to secure a profitable industry for young new entrants who want to build a future working in agriculture,” he says, recognising that young people are the future of the sector.

He also believes that greater communication with politicians, civil servants, and customers is essential to securing a profitable future for the Scottish farming industry.

However, Mr Neill is particularly concerned about the pressures facing tenant farmers, who often face significant barriers when it comes to securing land and financial support.

He wants to push for more opportunities for tenant farmers – particularly young entrants – to ensure the future of the industry.