Looking ahead positively

摘要

As this is my first column, a word or two of introduction might be appropriate. My NFU career goes back seven years now. Having worked through the ranks, starting as a local secretary, followed by stints in London and in our Brussels office, I started this job the best part of a year ago with high hopes and aspirations of making big changes in the dairy industry. Being Chief Dairy Adviser covers a multitude of sins. On the one hand, you are the principal political adviser and confidant of the NFU's hierarchy on dairy industry issues. On the other, you act as a spokesman for dairy farmers with the general public, as well as providing producers with technical advice on dairy legislation. You have to be a good communicator, lobbyist, analyst and speed writer... and it helps if you know a bit about dairy farming too!