NFUS to launch programme to develop future farming leaders

NFU Scotland is to launch a new Young Leaders Programme next year as part of a drive to develop the next generation of people who will lead the union and represent its members.

Chief executive John Davidson announced the plans at the union’s autumn conference in Edinburgh on 29 October, saying the initiative would help nurture talent and equip members with the skills and knowledge needed to take on leadership roles.

See also: Scottish young farmers’ ‘Big Build’ campaign enjoys £290k top-up

The programme will initially involve 15 members, run for 12 to 18 months and be externally facilitated. Applications are due to open in mid-November, with the first programme expected to begin in February or March 2027.

Mr Davidson said the initiative would be tailored to the particular demands of leading a membership organisation representing Scotland’s farming and crofting businesses.

“This is a deep programme to develop leaders in this organisation,” he told delegates.

He added: “This is about taking you out of business and working on the behalf of 9,000 people. That’s different.

“You need different skills, different knowledge for that. And we’re going to nurture people to do that.”

The programme is one of three strands in the union’s plans for developing future leaders. Mr Davidson said NFU Scotland would also hold an annual gathering, bringing together emerging and existing leaders to debate, share ideas and encourage one another.

Additional plans

A new future leaders’ network will also be established, including an online closed group and a series of leadership webinars featuring inspirational speakers.

The plans follow a gathering in Edinburgh on 4 June, attended by about 70 potential future leaders. Mr Davidson said participants had helped shape the proposals and that the event had generated considerable enthusiasm.

He said the union needed to look beyond the immediate pressures facing agriculture and plan for the next five, 10 and 15 years at how it nurtures talent into future leaders.

Mr Davidson urged members to encourage suitable candidates to apply, saying: “If you know a person who would fit these programmes, push them on. Push them towards it, please. And get them involved.”

He added: “Because our future is partly dependent on it.”

Young farmers hold key to resilient Scottish farming sector

James Kennedy © MAG/Philip Case

The chair of Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) Agri and Rural Affairs Committee has highlighted the importance of the next generation in securing a resilient and profitable future for Scottish agriculture.

Addressing NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference, James Kennedy outlined the organisation’s work supporting its 3,500 members through study tours, industry visits and opportunities to engage with agricultural policymakers.

Describing young farmers as the past, present and future of the industry, Mr Kennedy spoke about the importance of ensuring their voices are heard on issues including access to land, finance and training.

Drawing on his own experience of farming with his family in East Lothian, he urged businesses to embrace change, improve efficiency and adopt new ideas to remain profitable and resilient.