NFU Next Generation Dairy Board launched
UK - Twelve young dairy farmers from across England and Wales have been successfully appointed as the NFU's Next Generation Dairy Board.
30 January 2009
2 minute read
The Next Generation Dairy Board will have their first meeting in March at NFU Headquarters in Stoneleigh, where they will meet officeholders and staff, learn about the structure and policies of the NFU and set their agenda for the next year. Future meetings will take place in Brussels and London.
NFU chief dairy adviser Hayley Campbell Gibbons said: "The announcement of our plans to engage with younger dairy farmers received an overwhelming level of interest with over thirty applications received for just eight positions. We had intended to appoint one young farmer from each of the regions but due to the quality of the applications the board has been extended to twelve.
"We are very fortunate to have a very strong representation of farmers on our national board but we recognise to maintain that strength we must start planning now by providing opportunities for younger dairy farmers to take an active role in the NFU's policy and lobbying activities."
NFU Vice President Paul Temple sat on the interview panel and helped select the members. He said: "These are all young farmers who believe passionately in a thriving future for the dairy industry. More importantly, they want to step forward and take action to see that happen - we hope that the ideas generated within the board will be things they can take back to their regions for further discussion and action."
The new board will be chaired by North Gloucestershire dairy farmer Rob Harrison. It will have a direct impact on NFU national dairy policy through Rob's representation at a national level.
"We applaud the NFU's vision and forethought in setting up this board," said Rob. "The dairy sector has the right ingredients for a very bright future but there are challenging times ahead. I look forward to representing younger dairy farmers and hope our contributions will benefit the whole sector."
Speaking on behalf of the nation board chairman Gwyn Jones added: "Having input from the next generation of farmers is vital if we are to be effective in our lobbying work. Many of the decisions dairy farmers make today will have a major impact on our industry for years to come.
"These are all young farmers who believe in a thriving future for dairy farming. More importantly they want to play a part in shaping the future of their industry - the creation of the board will make this happen."
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