The race for president - Peter Kendall

Age: 49

Farm: Bedfordshire, 620ha arable family farming business with additional acreage on whole farm contracts.

NFU positions held: President 2006-2010. Previously NFU deputy president 2004-2006, chairman crops board 2003.

Other relevant positions held: Vice president COPA

Main interests outside farming: Playing sport with the kids, watching the kids play sport, watching sport (particularly rugby)!

Tell us something surprising about you: My kids call me a grumpy old grouch with grey hair (very harsh!).

Who is your hero? My wife Emma, for obvious reasons ( I went to an NFU branch meeting soon after our wedding and the rest is history). If Emma is not allowed; Shaun Edwards for sheer inspiration, commitment and passion

Why are you the best person for the job?

We face a challenging year; an election and the unravelling of a financial meltdown, a new EU Agricultural Commissioner and the start of a major round of CAP reform. I believe my 4 years of experience in getting our message across ‘that farming matters’ and my track record of working with the main political parties and other industry bodies, make me well placed to lead the NFU in these challenging times. I think our positive clear messages have raised the influence of the NFU and will ensure we punch powerfully on behalf of the membership. 

What would you change within the NFU to improve it?

We are currently undergoing a major revamping of our membership services; to capitalise on modern computer capabilities to deliver a much smarter member offer. This is vital to engage the next generation of farmers.

We are also undertaking a review of membership representation. We have to address the challenge of how members engage with their organisation and the vital question of how we get the best possible representatives leading the sectors and the organisation in the future.

What farming issue(s) would be your priority?

TB eradication – I want to see a genuine eradication plan, not simply measures to control the spread of the disease.

Cost and responsibility ‘sharing’ - this is more about cost charging than responsibility sharing.

Climate change mis-information re: meat eating and renewable energy.

Over-regulation that reduces the competitiveness of farm businesses.

CAP reform – we need a strong agriculture-based CAP that focuses on increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the industry.

The role of science; including R&D investment and GMO approvals.

The promotion of our industry – to politicians, opinion leaders and the public.

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