Meurig Raymond has been elected president of the National Farmers Union, replacing Peter Kendall.
Kendall stepped down as president at the union’s agm in Birmingham this week, with his deputy Raymond seeing off competition from Adam Quinney for the top job.
There was further disappointment for Quinney when he missed out on the vice president’s position, which went to Wiltshire tenant farmer Minette Batters.
Raymond, who farms 3,400 acres of combinable crops, potatoes, meat and dairy, had been the strong favourite to replace Kendall. One of his first speaking engagements as president will be at FPJ Live at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on 30 April.
In his pitch for president Raymond said: “It has been a privilege to have served as deputy president during the past eight years, and an honour to have worked with Peter Kendall. With the experience and knowledge gained, I am ideally suited to lead such a dynamic, professional organisation.
“Top priority must be food security and recognition along the food supply chain of the low returns to farmers, particularly when our farmers produce to the highest possible standards.
“With the next generation involved in our farming business, I will passionately argue the importance of agriculture and the need to achieve a more vibrant, profitable industry which will encourage young people into farming.”
There is also another new name joining the NFU top table, with Guy Smith winning the race to be vice president ahead of six rivals. Smith has a mixed farm in north Essex.
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