Following the adoption of a series of reforms by the NFU Council at the start of the year, the NFU National Horticulture & Potatoes Board has been considering what changes (if any) may be appropriate in order to improve member representation in the policy-making process.
Board Chair Martin Emmett says that it must ‘continue to reflect the range of cropping systems (ranging from top fruit, soft fruit, vegetables, protected salads, potatoes, ornamentals, trees, and viticulture).’ He adds, ‘We also need to look at representation across the regions, areas of technical expertise, and business sizes.’
The appointment process runs in February every year and seeks 13 appointments, although additional people are often co-opted to provide further insight, expertise, and a balanced perspective.
Martin comments, “In recent years, there hasn’t been a large number of applicants, but one of the applicable reforms will be a maximum term of 6 years as an ordinary board member – so it is vital that we see some new faces.
“Alongside the National Board, we have our specialist branches (BPOA, LVGA, and WSGA) and several structures based on regions. These all support and influence our policy development and communications. We will always welcome any initiative that brings groups of members together. Still, it is through the strength of the National Board, with managed and regular membership, that we have a forum that effectively represents the whole industry.”
If you would like to contribute to giving your form of horticulture the best representation on the National Horticulture & Potatoes Board, please discuss this with either a serving Board member or the NFU policy team at horticulture@nfu.org.uk.