The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) has elected John Lee as its new president.
Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) voted unanimously to elect the farming and rural leader at the NFYFC annual general meeting (AGM) in Leamington Spa yesterday (Sunday, April 21).
Lee takes over the NFYFC presidency from rugby union referee and farmer Nigel Owens, who served for three years in the role.
He has been involved with YFCs since he was 16 years old, starting out as a member of Newton St Cyres YFC in Devon.
Lee progressed through the organisation in club and county roles before becoming the chair of NFYFC’s council. He is now the first former chair to become president.
On his appointment, Lee said: “When I received the call from the NFYFC officers inviting me to be president, I was shocked and extremely surprised.
“It’s such an honour to be the figurehead of such an amazing organisation that has helped shape and influence my own personal and professional life.
“This is the only organisation I have been involved in where the power comes upwards.
“It is the Young Farmers’ Clubs who are the foundation of the organisation and that is the great strength of YFC – it is an organisation that develops people’s skills or gives them opportunities to develop them, and I am looking forward to helping champion that.”
John Lee
Lee is a farmer by profession, with the NFYFC stating that he has an “impressive” background in agri-politics.
Former NFYFC president, Lord Henry Plumb, inspired Lee to become involved in European politics and he became the first and only president of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) from England and Wales.
Lee also chaired the European Exchange Programme on behalf of the EU and was appointed to the Common Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee by the then agricultural commissioner.
He has taken on many roles in the South West, including vice president of Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and chair of the board of Male Avon. He is also the chair of SWLT.
Lee also holds national positions including chair of the Rural Youth Trust, past chair and now trustee of The Farmers Club and of the NFYFC.
Lee said he recognises the different challenges the NFYFC is facing today from when he was involved in the 80s.
“We faced financial challenges, as NFYFC does today, but I suspect these are greater now than they were then,” he said.
“Back in the 80s and 90s, most county federations had full time staff but today that’s only a luxury for a few, meaning more support is needed from NFYFC.
“Safeguarding has also become a priority, and rightly so, but this takes more resource and cost to make sure the whole organisation is compliant – not least because the average age of the membership has reduced considerably.”
‘Extensive knowledge’
NFYFC chair of council Drew Bailey welcomed Lee to the role and said he was excited to work with him.
“NFYFC is delighted to welcome John Lee as president of the organisation. John’s extensive knowledge and experience will be of huge benefit to the officer team and the wider membership,” Bailey said.
“John is an inspirational figurehead for NFYFC – demonstrating what can be achieved by being involved in the organisation.
“John’s impressive career and industry connections will bring advantages to NFYFC and will hopefully inspire rural young people about the possibilities through YFC.”
During the AGM, seven deputy presidents were also elected. These included:
- Fiona Marshall for the Eastern area;
- Robert Barke for the East Midlands area;
- Adrian Willis for the Northern area;
- Alethea Snelling for the South East area;
- Nigel Howe for the South West area;
- Owen Elliott for Wales;
- Bert Mitchell for the West Midlands.
