The National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland has announced the appointment of John Davidson as its new chief executive.
He is currently the deputy chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink and replaces Scott Walker, who stepped down from his post last year.
Davidson joined the food and drink industry body in 2020 after a career in various senior roles across the Scottish Government, including private secretary to the former Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead, and most recently as the head of food and drink in Holyrood for five years.
He has been instrumental in supporting the sector’s recovery from Brexit and the pandemic, and has recently been leading the development of the new national food and drink strategy for Scotland.
Davidson will start his new role at NFU Scotland in late June, becoming the 11th chief executive since the union’s formation in October 1913.
NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said: “Following a rigorous recruitment process to find our next chief executive, John stood out as the ideal candidate to lead the organisation into our next chapter.
“His passion, energy, and vision for the organisation and for Scottish agriculture in general was inspiring and his grasp of the big challenges, and indeed opportunities, facing the industry was exceptional.
“Above all, he has the personality and leadership skills we need to drive forward the business of NFU Scotland and lead our fantastic team in delivering the best possible outcome for our growing farming and crofting membership. “
Davidson added: “There are many challenges facing our farmers and crofters, but I genuinely believe the future for the industry is bright and I look forward to working with a very talented and passionate team at NFU Scotland to represent our members’ interests.
“Agriculture is one of the world’s oldest and most important industries and is woven into the fabric of Scotland, making a substantial contribution to our economy, communities, and environment.
“It is absolutely vital that this is understood across all aspects of society, just as it is critical that the industry is given the support and conditions it needs to ensure a vibrant and profitable future with food production at its core.”
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