SIX CANDIDATES will be standing in the National Farmers Union Scotland's imminent election for the positions of president and two vice presidents.
The vote is scheduled to take place at the union's council meeting at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - but on the run up to that date, all candidates will have the opportunity to attend hustings at ten venues the length and breadth of Scotland.
Standing for president are (in alphabetical order) current VPs Allan Bowie and Rob Livesey, and the union's combinable crops committee chairman Andrew Moir. Mr Livesey and Mr Moir are also standing for the two vice presidential posts, where they will be challenged by Dumfries and Galloway regional chairman Andrew McCornick, Lothian and Borders regional vice chairman Kelvin Pate and legal and technical committee chairman John Smith.
Members of the NFUS council - a body made up from representatives of each of the union's 73 branches - will select the successful candidates.
Union chief executive Scott Walker commented: "For a membership organisation it is healthy to see so many people interested in taking on these posts. Our members will choose from a very strong field of candidates who will be the next president and VPs of NFUS.
"Whoever is elected will lead the organisation and represent Scottish farmers and crofters on issues that affect all land-based businesses in Scotland. From discussions with multiple retailers and the rest of the supply chain to influencing and shaping government legislation that originates from Scotland, the UK and Europe.
"Those who take up office in February will operate on many fronts for the benefit of our members and the farming industry in Scotland," said Mr Walker.
"I wish all candidates well and I would encourage all members to attend the hustings meetings in January. These meetings will give all candidates a platform and help ensure we elect the strongest team in February."
The term of office for union president, currently held by Nigel Miller, is open for election every two years. Mr Miller will step down in February after serving four years as president, the maximum time allolwed under the union's constitution.
A constitutional change is now being proposed to alter the vice presidential term of office. Under the union's constitution, vice presidents are presently elected on an annual basis - but the proposal is that, when first elected, a vice president will be allowed to serve a two year term.
If a vice president then stands for re-election, that second term of office would revert to one year. If agreed at the AGM - taking place on Monday, 9 February - the new VP rules will apply to the elections the following day.
- 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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