The starting gun has been fired on an election process that will see NFU Scotland (NFUS) appoint a new president and elect two vice-presidents in February 2021.
NFUS is now taking nominations for these important positions in Scottish agriculture. Current president Andrew McCornick’s four years in office comes to an end in February which means a new NFUS president is to be elected.
The vice-presidential posts currently held by Charlie Adam and Martin Kennedy are also open.
Martin Kennedy has indicated that he will be standing for the position of president. Charlie Adam has indicated that he will not be standing for either position and will be stepping down from board after 10 years.
Any NFUS member can be nominated for election, providing they are proposed and seconded by fellow NFUS members.
The presidential position is held for two years and a president can serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms.
Under the terms of the constitution, those elected to the position of vice-president will initially serve for two years before the post reverts to an annual election.
How the positions are filled
Members of NFUS’s council – a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 73 branches – will select the successful candidates.
Those wishing to stand for these positions should contact NFUS chief executive Scott Walker to obtain a proposal form, which must then be signed and returned to him by 5:00pm on Thursday, December 17.
Details on who is standing will be announced at the Union’s Christmas Press Briefing on Monday, December 21.
Scott Walker said:
The job of electing those who will fill our presidential seat and the two vice-presidential posts is now underway and we invite applications from those keen to lead NFUS and represent the Scottish farming industry at this pivotal time.
“Every elected presidential team faces a set of unique situations. Whoever is elected in February next year will be the first officeholder team in a generation who will have to navigate securing a profitable supply chain for farmers where agricultural policy will be determined here in Scotland without the benefits or disadvantages of an EU framework.”
They will also face a UK government responsible for determining the trading relationships between the UK and the rest of the world.
Commenting on his decision not to stand for office, vice-president Charlie Adam said:
It has been an absolute privilege to have been part of the board at NFUS for 10 years, as regional chairman, livestock committee chairman and vice-president. However, the time is right to step aside for new and diverse faces to fill that space.
“I will continue to keep up the fight on behalf of NFUS and Scottish agriculture and, with three months left in my current role, I will continue to give it my all.”
