Tom Bradshaw will lead the NFU for a further two years after being re-elected as president at a time of intense political and economic pressure on British agriculture.
The Essex arable farmer remains in the role after six years as part of the NFU executive team and two years as president.
His re-election signals continuity as the sector faces policy uncertainty, volatile markets and ongoing debate over future support arrangements.
He will be joined by Paul Tompkins as Vice-President and Robin Mundt as Vice-President to form the next team of union executives.
“I am extremely honored and extremely proud to have been re-elected as chairman of this great organization,” said Bradshaw.
Reflecting on the background to his re-election, he said: “The past 18 months have been one of the most challenging for British agriculture in recent memory.”
During this time, farmers have faced rising input costs, extreme weather events, disease pressures and significant changes to support payments as England moves from a basic payment system to an environmental land management system.
Mr Bradshaw said the NFU had been “on the front lines fighting for the industry”, adding that progress was only possible because its members worked together. “Together we are stronger.”
Looking ahead, he said the union would continue to campaign to ensure the right policies are in place to deliver a “more resilient, prosperous and profitable UK farming industry” and protect the UK’s long-term food security.
New vice-president Paul Tompkins said it was an “incredible privilege” to be elected at a time when agriculture “faces real pressures but also has even greater potential.”
“All farmers and producers, whatever their sector, size or system, want the same essence: equity, stability and a chance to build a future,” he said.
Clarifying his priorities, Mr Tompkins said he would focus on “delivering real results for farmers”, maintaining strong commercial prospects and building confidence across the industry. This is an issue that affects both the livestock and cultivation sectors.
Vice President-elect Robin Mundt said she was “incredibly proud and honored” to represent Britain’s farmers as part of the executive team.
A fifth-generation beef, sheep and arable farmer, she pointed to fragile sentiment within the industry, saying confidence was at an “all-time low” due to volatile costs, disease threats and extreme weather.
He said the next two years must focus on creating the conditions for “resilient, productive and profitable agricultural businesses to thrive” while ensuring sustainable food production and the protection of the countryside.
The NFU represents tens of thousands of farmers and producers across England and Wales and plays a central role in lobbying governments on agricultural policy, trade, environmental regulation and food standards.
The election followed the annual general meeting of the trade union’s representative body, the NFU Council, held at the ICC in Birmingham on February 24 and 25.
With farm profitability under pressure and future policy directions still evolving, the new leadership team faces immediate pressure to rebuild trust and secure greater certainty for members across the sector.
