Former National Farmers’ Union president Meurig Raymond has been awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours announced today.

Meurig retired as NFU president in February after 40 years of involvement in the union.

At the European Commission’s High-Level Forum for a Better Functioning Supply Chain, Meurig represented European farmers and worked to improve their position in the food chain.

Current NFU president Minette Batters congratulated Raymond on receiving the honour for his services to farming.

Batters said: “Meurig has been a fantastic advocate of British farming for decades and continues to be a stalwart of the industry, championing it in all he does.

During his time as president of the NFU, he was a tireless worker for his members and I am incredibly pleased to see his achievements recognised by receiving this honour.

“Whether it was in Westminster, Brussels or even further afield, Meurig always had what was best for British farmers and growers at the forefront of his mind and made it his mission to represent their interests to politicians, civil servants, the supply chain and the wider industry.

Meurig Raymond speaking at the 2017 NFU Conference. Image source: Simon Hadley

“He was acutely aware how important British farming was to the country in its role producing safe, traceable and affordable food to the public and he was driven by a desire to ensure British farmers were fairly rewarded for their work.

“Meurig is a passionate supporter of British farming, and this always shone through in his work representing farmers and growers. I am proud to have worked with him as part of the NFU’s officeholder team, and I want to congratulate him on receiving this honour.”