Kennedy ready to step up to NFUS presidency role

His term as president will be remembered as a period of uncertainty. This indecision, I hasten to add, has not been caused by any failings on his or the Union’s part.

Since the Brexit vote in June 2017, those responsible for lobbying for the farming industry have been frustrated by the failure of politicians to come out with a clear future policy for farming when the UK breaks free from Europe.

So much for the claim that such an agreement would be “the easiest deal in human history” or that it was “oven ready.”

McCornick’s presidency has faced a lack of political direction and it is no wonder that, in frustration at AgriScot a fortnight ago, he called on the Scottish Government to “stop dithering.”

Although it is still a couple of months before the Union agm when the new president is appointed, it is a racing certainty that Perthshire hill farmer, Martin Kennedy will become the sixty third president in the Union’s hundred year plus history.

Nominations for the post do not close for weeks yet but Kennedy’s main opposition, his fellow vice president, Charlie Adams, has announced that, instead of stepping up to challenge for the presidency, he is returning to his Aberdeenshire farm after a decade serving the Union.

It is still possible that a dark horse may appear and challenge for the presidency. There are no requirements that candidates have to serve time climbing the ladder to the top, but Kennedy has worked assiduously to position himself for the presidency.

He has back-up on the family farm near Aberfeldy and although that may seem trivial, it would not be the first time in the history of the Union that an otherwise excellent office bearer has been disabled by the wheels falling off the business back home.

With the current vice presidents either moving up or moving out, who are the ambitious candidates to take their place? At the end of last week, three names popped into the frame at Union headquarters thus ensuring an election at the agm as only two vice presidents are required.

All three – Andrew Connon, from North Quilquox, Ellon, Willie Harper, from Gryffewraes, Bridge of Weir and Robin Traquair, Wellington, Dalkeith currently chair their own Union areas; a traditional route for those aiming at the presidency.

Again, it is still possible that more names can come forward. It is even possible, but unlikely, that a prominent female farmer could attempt to break the all-male grip on the higher offices of the Union

And where does this leave those who do their stint at the top and then walk out the exit door?

In stark contrast to US president Trump who looks as if he will need to be levered out of the White House screaming and protesting that he was robbed, former NFUS presidents go quietly. Some may even breathe a sigh of relief. Most pick up other work but quango opportunities are scarcer now than they once were. A few go home where they often find the dynamics of the farm business has changed in the years since they headed for Edinburgh with briefcase in hand.

McCornick is a member of the Trade and Agriculture Commission which, depending on your point of view, is Trade Secretary Liz Truss’s toothless tiger charged with giving its views on trade deals, or it could really challenge food imports.

His position on the Commission is not a personal one; it is instead a seat round the table given to the NFUS. The Union might well allow him to continue in this position as they will have a busy agenda.

The new presidential team will be faced with the consequences of a hastily tacked together Brexit deal where gaps and problems will appear all over the place, including legal or illegal trade with Ireland.

The Union is also likely to face making a decision on Scottish independence. It has always up to now avoided stepping into the political pool but may find it more difficult this time around.

It will definitely face reduced levels of farm support as both Scotland and the UK will have to lever themselves out of the deep financial hole caused by covid.

The forthcoming years heading the Union will be ‘challenging’ to say the least