Vice president race - Alistair Mackintosh

Age: 51

Farm location/type: I am a  tenant and owner occupier of a 340ha farm on west coast of Cumbria. I presently farm 250 Beef Cattle, 1400 Breeding ewes and arable, with two-thirds of the land being SDA

NFU positions held: Currently NFU national livestock board chairman, on policy and governance board, Cumbria council delegate. Previously regional board chairman, county chairman, deputy and vice. County livestock committee and local branch chairman.

Other relevant positions held: EBLEX board member, EBLEX finance Committee Member, RPA appeals panel member, parish councillor.

Main interests outside farming: Keen football, cricket and rugby supporter

Tell us something surprising about you: I’m a keen Arsenal supporter!

Who is your hero? Tony Adams.

Why, based on your experience and skills, are you the best person for the job?

I have a proven track record of delivering tangible benefits on behalf of members and the wider industry. I am hardworking, honest and passionate about the success of and future sustainability of the industry. If given the opportunity I am determined to a make a difference at a higher level within the NFU not only on the issues that affect us on a  day to day basis but the those broader issues which could affect us long term. As a working farmer, I have strong grass root connections as I am directly affected by political and regulatory decisions.

What would you change within the NFU to improve it?

The NFU is unrivalled in delivering benefits to its members. As vice-president I will continue to grow membership so that these benefits can be enjoyed by more and our continued strength will come from numbers.

I feel that a lot of the work of the NFU often goes unnoticed by the wider membership and I am determined that grass roots members see the work that is done on their behalf and the resources given to achieving our aims. It is also vital that grass roots members feel that their voice is heard and I am determined to reinvigorate that vital connection.

What farming issue(s) would be your priority?

There are some massive challenges to be met in the upcoming months such as  bTB, cost and responsibility sharing, CAP reform post 2013, climate change to name but a few.

It is vital that that we as the NFU develop a vision, and strategies and dictate the route to meet these challenges head on and gain the best possible outcome for farmers, rather than leave it solely to politicians. It is imperative that we see immediate action on bTB and let’s not underestimate the importance of shaping CAP policy and its potential long term implications on our industry.

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