Minette Batters

Who is she.

Minette grew up living and working on-farm, with no succession tenancy available. It wasn’t until 1998 that she was able to secure a long-term Farm Business Tenancy. She built the business from nothing to over 300 head of stock, finishing Angus cattle on a premium scheme for a major retailer.

Minette has also diversified into horse livery, converted a 17th century tithe barn into a wedding and corporate events venue, and runs a catering business which specialises in using home grown produce. Minette now employs two full time and up to 20 part time staff. More recently Minette has worked with industry and retailers to develop ‘Ladies in Beef’ and the ‘Great British Beef Week’.

She has been an NFU member from grassroots through to County Chairman; she served as Wiltshire’s Council delegate and also as Regional Board Chairman for the South West. Minette has also been a member of NFU Governance Board and the agricultural representative on the SW Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Committee. She is also a focus writer and is regularly interviewed for local and national media.

 
Positions nominated for: President, Deputy President

Farming profitability must drive a new ambition for the NFU. I bring a proven business track record to the officeholder team – a strong, tenacious leader.

Prioritising fair, transparent and secure returns through functioning supply chains, as well as ensuring policies and regulatory framework are practical and commensurate to market value.

Food, environment, health, education and nutrition must be part of a targeted direction of travel, for British farmers and growers to be the first supplier of choice for retail, food service and export.

In light of BPS payment delays, recent flooding and the Countryside Stewardship scheme, I believe the NFU should fully interrogate the roles and accountability of the relevant government agencies.

The potential of a UK exit from the EU means urgently prioritising a government UK agriculture policy. I would build a strong UK consensus for a robust, common, agriculture/food CAP from 2020 onwards.

Alistair Mackintosh

Who is he.

Ravenglass farmer and NFU Cumbria Council Delegate Alistair Mackintosh was instrumental in persuading the then Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, David Heath to visit the Cumbira after the blizzards of winter 2013 to bring home to him the full impact of stock losses in the spring snows. Self-employed tenant farmer and NFU county chairman for Cumbria. He was previously farm manager for Muncaster Estates.

Positions nominated for: President, Deputy President

My vision is for a fresh approach and one that is ambitious for all sectors, builds on innovation, entrepreneurship and provides a secure future for the next generation. I believe that the actions the NFU takes must deliver commercial benefit and financial reward to UK agriculture and NFU members.

It is vital that the NFU works to deliver strategic direction for all sectors and with all links in the supply chain.

Providing clear leadership and vision for all sectors is required for a positive future. Policy decisions made by government, retailers and processors must be based on sound science and evidence, and the NFU has a role to ensure that this happens. Areas such as the EU referendum, CAP 2020, food security and agri-environment are all vital for the future and a strong voice and lobbying is required to negotiate on behalf of members.

Meurig Raymond

Who is he.

Meurig Raymond is the crurrent president and farms 3,400 acres in Pembrokeshire in partnership with his twin brother, eldest son and nephew. The farm grows 2,200 acres of combinable crops and 300 acres of potatoes. There are 620 dairy cows, with 300 followers. The farm also has 600 head of beef cattle and around 2,500 store lambs, fattened during winter.

Position nominated for: President

It has been an honour to have served as President for the past two years.

The European Referendum will be the big issue for farming in the next two years and with my experience in European matters I can lead us through this process. I am determined to argue for greater recognition in the food supply chain to enhance profitability.

Rolling out the bTB strategy, the simplification of the CAP and fighting to mitigate the effects of the National Living Wage, I will hold government to account on all industry issues. I will continue to listen and engage with members. I have the passion, enthusiasm and motivation to achieve our objectives. Farming a mixed family business, I am acutely aware of all the issues we face. With a transition to a new Director General at the NFU I offer you continuity, but also total commitment as the President of this wonderful organisation.