NFU sets out major reforms (From Gazette & Herald)

NFU sets out major reforms

THE National Farmer's Union has announced what it calls its biggest set of reforms in its NFU's 95-year history.

It will relocate to a new base in Wiltshire and there are major alterations to the committee and staffing structures.

A spokesman explained that a need for a radical and comprehensive review of all parts of the NFU was agreed at the February AGM in the face of industry changes and to ensure the NFU's finances remain healthy.

Key changes include:

National commodity boards for the dairy, crops, livestock, horticulture, sugar and poultry sectors, replacing all other current committees.

A new composition for the NFU council, the NFU's governing body, to include county chairmen; and the discontinuation of the post of treasurer.

In total, the changes are estimated to save the NFU £2.3m in the next financial year. There will be some staff losses but it is not possible to give numbers because of the NFU's statutory obligation to now consult staff.

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, July 16, 2003