NFU Scotland has appointed John Flanagan to head up its food and farming team and to lead on arable issues.

As well as lead the team, John will be responsible for cereals, potatoes, pesticides, and organic farming.

From a farming family in Tipperary, Ireland, John went on to study for his degree at the University of Aberdeen. Since graduating from there in 1998, John has had a wealth of experience in Ireland, France, but mostly Scotland.

John has previously worked for NFU Scotland as a regional manager, so has a good grounding and understanding of the organisation and how it works to the advantage of its membership. Upon leaving NFU Scotland, John was a self-employed farmer, running a mixed unit of cattle, sheep and arable in the Limousin region of France.

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For the past 11 years, John has worked with SRUC where he has fulfilled a variety of roles. He started as a lecturer in Ayr, followed by a stint with SAC Consulting in Dumfries, and finally as Senior Lecturer in Agriculture at the Barony campus.

Looking at his new role with NFU Scotland, John commented: “I’ve come back to NFUS at a time of significant change. There’s still so much detail to be ironed with the proposed Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill, the shape of future agricultural policy in Scotland and how Scottish farming will operate within the influence of Westminster and further afield in the future.

“Climate change mitigation, loss of biodiversity, and food security remain key issues for Scottish agriculture, and these can only be tackled by a profitable and dynamic and forward looking industry.

“These are significant challenges going forward, and I am looking forward to working with the membership to deal with the current issues on the table, but also to be proactive, innovative and generally build an air of positivity around the great work Scottish farmers and crofters do in producing first class produce. There’s lots of be getting on with but I’m up for the challenge and have already been so impressed by the NFUS team and it’s dedicated members!”

Commenting on John’s appointment, NFU Scotland’s head of policy Gemma Cooper added: “We are excited to add John to our talented team of policy staff at NFUS. John brings with him significant technical and practical experience which will be a huge asset for members and colleagues.

“He will lead on issues impacting our arable and potato members and play a senior role in our food and farming team. With pressing issues such as digital grain passports and glyphosate, John is already getting his teeth stuck into his new role.” Ends