New National Farmers' Union regional director appointed

The new regional director of the National Farmers Union today pledged to ensure farmers' voices were heard.

John Mercer, who studied at Harper Adams University College, near Newport, is the new regional director of the NFU in the West Midlands.

He took over from David Collier and is aiming to make sure the NFU continues to properly represent farmers and growers across the region.

After eight and a half years Mr Collier decided it was time to move on within the union and now heads the NFU's work on rural affairs.

Mr Mercer, originally from Llandovery in West Wales where his family are livestock farmers, said he was delighted to be in post and was keen to ensure the challenges facing NFU members were being addressed.

He said: "I believe there are some tremendous opportunities for farmers and growers across the region to capitalise on in the coming years. We are seeing global food production dynamics changing as a result of emerging markets, a change in the ability to produce due to climate change and issues over water availability.

"This, combined with the fact that we have a growing world population to feed, means we will be ideally placed to increase production to meet increasing demands.

"I also believe that key decision-makers within both Government and the supply chain are beginning to realise that change is coming and are recognising the importance of engaging with producers and securing domestic food supply."

The 34-year-old said he was 'under no illusions' over the challenges, including bovine tuberculosis, dairy prices, high speed rail, supermarket power and Common Agricultural Policy reform.

He said: "The current situation with dairy and the issues within the market also needs our attention and the NFU will continue to do what it can to ensure the sector has a profitable and sustainable future. Now more than ever it is essential we have a strong and powerful NFU within the region."

By Lisa Rowley