Farm Africa congratulates Minette Batters on election as first female president of NFU

22 February 2018

Farm Africa has congratulated Minette Batters on being elected as the first female president of the National Farmers' Union of England & Wales.

Beef farmer Minette built her farming business from nothing to over 300 head of stock and was appointed as a trustee of Farm Africa in 2017.

Richard Macdonald (pictured left above), Chair of Farm Africa, who served as director general of the National Farmers Union from 1996 to 2009, commented: "On behalf of Farm Africa's trustees and staff I congratulate Minette on her well deserved appointment as President of the NFU. This is a milestone election as Minette will be the first woman to hold the position in the union's 110-year history. Minette is a commendable role model for both male and female farmers not just here in the UK, but globally. 

"We wish her all the very best in her new role. It is a critical time for British farming and for agriculture in Africa. We look forward to continuing our work with her in support of sustainable agriculture."

Speaking at a joint NFU / Farm Africa event in January 2017, Minette  said: “The link between the NFU and Farm Africa has always existed and the work both organisations are doing to increase food security, both at home and abroad, is so important. Farms all around the world share many of the same challenges and food security remains at the top of that list."

Minette specialises in selling premium store cattle and runs a diversified mixed farming business including a horse livery, wedding and corporate events venue, and a catering business specialising in home grown produce. Minette co-founded the campaigning initiatives Ladies in Beef’ and ‘Great British Beef Week’.

We also send congratulations to new NFU Deputy President Guy Smith and Vice President Stuart Roberts, who have been elected to serve a two-year term alongside Minette.

Stuart Roberts hit Farm Africa's headlines in April last year as one of the 'Jogging Farmers' who raised an astounding £31,000 running the London Marathon for Farm Africa.