09/05/2011

TV presenter Matt Baker, of the One Show and Country File, has been elected president of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC). Baker was voted in by members at the organisation’s AGM held in Blackpool yesterday (8 May).

Matt Baker, who was raised on a family sheep farm in Durham and whose mother coordinaters Durham’s YFC club, expressed his delight at being voted into the position; “As a farmer’s son from the Durham dales, the countryside is a big part of who I am and so to be the president of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, celebrating that connection with our landscape and getting out there and doing stuff within it, is a great honour.

 “There is a new appreciation of our British countryside, and agriculture and farming are changing rapidly. Young farmers are the future, and Young Farmers’ Clubs members have the energy and enthusiasm to drive this industry forward.”

NFYFC chairman James Chapman said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt to Young Farmers’ Clubs. Our members are really excited to have him as part of the YFC family. Matt has all the qualities I would expect from YFC members – he’s enthusiastic and motivated about the industry and rural life and his appeal and ability to connect with young people make him an ideal ambassador for the organisation.”

Matt takes over from retiring national president Lionel Hill MBE who was elected life vice president in recognition of his services to NFYFC and the YFC federations. Lionel had served as NFYFC president for the past five years.