Join the NFU’s national commodity boards as a regional representative

12 January 2026

NFU Crops Board in a meeting

We’re seeking applications for regional appointees to the NFU’s national livestock (beef and lamb), crops and dairy boards.

If you are a forward-thinking producer/ businessperson and a ‘farmer and grower’ NFU member, with the drive to make a difference to the supply chain and government policy, we want to hear from you.

You will sit on the national board (alongside the elected chairs of your respective regional commodity board), to represent the views/interests of livestock, crops or dairy producers in your region.

Useful skills and experience include:

  • Understanding or experience of working in the supply chain.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A particular interest in sustainable production – including organic – or a specific market sector or environment, or an interest in tenant, uplands or younger member issues.
  • A good network of contacts in your sector among producers and/or up and down the supply chain.
  • Politically astute.

What to expect

Board agendas are wide-ranging, and potential applicants must demonstrate a sound understanding of the policy and trade issues affecting their sector, as well as a willingness to connect with the wider NFU membership.

This is an exciting opportunity to help develop NFU lobbying strategy, influencing the future direction of agri-policy and politics, and directly engaging with government and the wider supply chain at a pivotal time for the industry.

Successful candidates are appointed for two years and will be expected to attend six national commodity board meetings a year, typically at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, or the NFU London office, and to participate in regional board meetings. Attendance at other supply chain, government or NFU meetings as a representative of the board may be required from time to time.

As a member of a national commodity board, you will receive an honorarium, paid monthly, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

How to apply

Interested applicants can download and fill in our application form

What to include in your application

You will need to supply a CV setting out your skills and experience and a personal statement, covering why you want to represent your region and/or sector on a national board. 

You will also need to get your nomination endorsed with the signatures of 20 farmer and grower members from your region.

Where to send your application

Please mark any correspondence with your region (East, Midlands, North or South) and identify which sector you are applying for; livestock (covering beef and lamb), crops or dairy.  

Applications should be sent to the relevant regional email address:

Deadline: The closing date for all applications is 27 February 2026 

Candidates may be invited to an interview with the selection panel. If successful, the first board meeting you would be required to attend will be the week commencing 16 March 2026.

This page was first published on 06 February 2024. It was updated on 12 January 2026.


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