Former NFU President Meurig Raymond has been awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours in recognition for his services to farming.
The Pembrokeshire farmer, who has always been a good supporter of the UK pig industry, was the union’s president from 2014 to 2018. Prior to that he served as Vice President (2004-06) and Deputy President (2006-2014). He has been involved in the NFU since 1979.
Mr Raymond said he was ‘delighted to be recognised for this prestigious award’, which he said would not have been possible without the support & encouragement from his wife Hilary and everyone at the NFU.  He thanked everyone who had sent messages of congratulations on his honour.
NFU President Minette Batters congratulated Mr Raymond on receiving the honour. She said: “Meurig has been a fantastic advocate of British farming for decades and continues to be a stalwart of the industry, championing British farming in all he does,” she said.
“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.
“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.