Nominations open for NFU Scotland 2027 leadership

NFU Scotland has opened nominations for its 2027 leadership elections for the posts of president and two vice-presidents.

President Andrew Connon and vice-presidents Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill will complete their initial two-year terms in February 2027 – and are all eligible to seek re-election.

Any NFU Scotland (NFUS) member can be nominated, provided they are proposed and seconded by fellow members.

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Nominations close at 5pm on 4 December, with the full list of candidates due to be announced at the union’s Christmas press briefing on 14 December.

The elections will take place at an NFU Scotland Council meeting in Glasgow on 12 February. If more candidates come forward than there are positions available, councillors will vote to determine the successful candidates. Candidates may be elected unopposed if positions are uncontested.

Under the union’s constitution, the president can serve a second two-year term, while vice-presidents move to annual elections after their initial two-year terms.

NFUS chief executive John Davidson said the elections were important for both the organisation and the wider farming and crofting sectors.

“These roles provide the opportunity to influence policy, engage with governments and stakeholders, and champion the interests of Scotland’s farmers and crofters at the highest levels,” he said.

He encouraged members with the necessary experience and interest to consider standing, adding that prospective candidates could contact him to discuss the roles and their responsibilities.

Key policy challenges

The incoming leadership will face significant challenges across Scottish agriculture, including the transition to the new four-tier agricultural support system, securing long-term funding for active farmers and crofters, improving fairness in the supply chain, and balancing food production with climate action, nature restoration and the future of rural communities.

NFUS set out these priorities in its 2026 manifesto (PDF), which calls for multi-year funding commitments, a fair transition to new support arrangements and policies that protect Scotland’s productive farming capacity.

Nomination forms can be obtained from John Davidson by emailing john.davidson@nfus.org.uk or calling 07776 957 377.