The presidential candidates - farmers weekly
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9 JANUARY 1998 ------------------------- THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES BEN GILL Home Farm, Hawkhills, Easingwold, nr York. Farming 146ha (360 acres) of cereals, sugar beet, sheep and beef.
Also diversified into grain storage and contracting. Age: 47 Took over the farm in 1978 Started attending NFU branch meetings 1979; elected branch (Easingwold) chairman early 1980s and to
the county executive 1981. Member of national marketing committee, 1984. Elected to NFU council 1985, and appointed to the cereals committee and the livestock and wool committee. Became
vice-chairman livestock and wool committee, 1986. 1987 – elected livestock chairman. Elected NFU vice-president 1991. 1992 – became deputy president. CHALLENGES FOR THE NFU: Getting the beef
ban lifted. "To remain relevant to the changing needs of members in an increasingly competitive arena. To that end, we have to service those needs to ensure farmers survive to best
effect." Three major issues: • CAP reform, coupled with WTO talks. • Enlargement of the EU. • Anticipating and addressing world food market needs and non-food
production needs.