NFU considers radical reform to appease grassroots farmers

06 October 1998

NFU considers radical reform to appease grassroots farmers

By Johann Tasker

A BIG shake-up is on the cards at the National Farmers Union following accusations that the union is out of touch with grassroots farmers.

An internal NFU survey obtained by Farmers Weekly indicates widespread dissatisfaction among farmers over the way the union represents members interests.

The survey, conducted by an NFU working party, found that the union fails to meet the expectations of almost one in four farmers.

An interim report based on the survey says younger members, especially, feel alienated by traditional NFU structures, which are viewed as old-fashioned.

“Dated and rigid arrangements are a barrier to participation,” the report says.

Delegates meeting this Thursday (8 October) at NFU Council in London will debate how best to review the NFUs democratic structure and make the organisation more attractive.

They are expected to consider a move towards a more accountable selection procedure for officials based on one-member-one-vote.

One NFU insider said the proposals would see the most radical reform in the NFUs history if they were given the go-ahead.

The news follows frequent condemnation of the NFU by grassroots farmers who say the union has failed them during the crisis in agriculture.

Farmers who claim that cheap meat imports are ruining their livelihoods are incensed that NFU officials have refused give backing to protests in Wales and the West Country.

But current legislation means the NFU would face the sequestration of its assets if found guilty of backing illegal action.