NFU SCOTLAND has formally opened nominations for the positions of president and its two vice presidential posts.
Current president Andrew McCornick has confirmed he will stand for re-election, as has one of his vice-presidents, Martin Kennedy – but the other VP, Gary Mitchell, has said he will not stand, meaning that there will be at least one major change in the top team.
The election for these key Scottish farming appointments will take place at the union’s council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, on Friday February 8, 2019, after the union’s AGM the previous day.
Any NFUS member can be nominated for election, providing they are proposed and seconded by fellow NFUS members. The presidential position is held for two years and a President can serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms. Under the terms of the constitution, those elected to the position of vice president will initially serve for two years before the post reverts to an annual election. Members of NFU Scotland’s council – a body made up from representatives of each of the union’s 73 branches – will select the successful candidates.
Mr McCornick, who farms in Dumfriesshire, will complete his first two-year term at the AGM, so will be standing for election for a second two-year term.
VP Mr Kennedy, from Highland Perthshire, who was first elected to the position in 2017, is standing for re-election to a further year in that post, while Mr Mitchell, from Stranraer, who was also first elected to VP in 2017, said that after 'much consideration', he will not seek another year.
Anyone wishing to stand as president or vice president should contact NFUS chief executive Scott Walker to obtain a proposal form, which must then be signed and returned by close of play on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
Mr Walker commented: “The job of electing those who will fill our presidential seat and the two vice presidential posts during one of the most exciting and challenging times for Scottish agriculture is now underway and we invite applications from those keen to shape our post-Brexit farming industry.
“In the run up to our annual general meeting in February 2019 – taking place in Glasgow – we will be holding a number of hustings across all of our regions early in the New Year. This will give all candidates the opportunity to speak to as many of our members as possible as we approach the elections.
“I would ask that if anyone is planning to run for either president or vice president that they contact me, so the union can provide support where possible. Making our wide network of branches and offices aware of all candidates will maximise the opportunities available to them to speak to the membership first hand," added Mr Walker.
“If potential candidates want to learn about what the roles entail, I am able to provide a full explanation of what is expected of a vice president and president. For those keen to represent their fellow Scottish farmers and crofters, these are the most respected positions in our sector.”
For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
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