European cereal farmers have elected NFU member Mike Hambly as vice-chairman of the Copa-Cogeca cereals working group to represent all EU farming unions.

Mr Hambly, an arable farmer from the South West and vice-chairman of the NFU combinable crops board, said he was looking forward to working with farmers from across Europe to support and promote the cereals industry.

"I am very pleased to be voted in as the group's vice-chairman and working with this and the next generation I am looking forward to using this position to drive our industry on," he said.

"Reforms of the CAP must not prevent European cereal producers from being able to meet the growing world demand for food in a manner which allows us to compete in the market place and ensure a sustainable farm income level.

"One of my first priorities will be to ensure the European Commission's CAP reform proposals help move the cereal sector into a new competitive age, rather than tie it up in red tape. I will also be arguing for increased research and innovation to help our industry meet today's great challenge to increase food production sustainably.

"Apart from food, the next great global challenge is energy security and I will be highlighting the key role our farmers can play in providing a sustainable source of green energy from agriculture, complementing food production."