NFU president Peter Kendall will not be standing for re-election next year.

Kendall, who was voted in as president in 2006, said that he had seen an enormous change in attitudes to farming through his eight years in office.

Nominations for the posts of president, deputy president and vice president can now be taken, with a closing date of 15 January.

Hustings will be held following regional board meetings from 27 January, with all nominees invited to attend and full NFU members able to attend and ask questions of the candidates.

Kendall, said: “Sir John Beddington’s foresight report and three global food price spikes has meant that agriculture’s importance is being increasingly recognised. And there is still much work to do in many areas. I have always planned for this to be my final term in office, but I will be leaving the NFU in excellent shape.'

He added: “There is a wealth of talent and experience out there among NFU members, and so I look forward to the elections next year when they will select a new officeholder team to continue the NFU’s work representing and lobbying on behalf of our farmers and growers.

“To be president of the NFU is a huge privilege, and I have been extremely fortunate to be part of a great team at the NFU working alongside very able and committed officeholders. I have been supported by the most fantastic, professional NFU staff. The breadth of knowledge, commitment and expertise available to NFU members is unsurpassed in the farming industry – and that has always made me immensely proud.”

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