Photo: NFU
The farming community has paid tribute to Lord Henry Plumb who died aged 97 on 15 April 2022.
Heralded as the ‘greatest ever’ president of the NFU, current president Minette Batters has led tributes to a ‘truly remarkable man’.
Born in Astley, Warwickshire in 1925, Lord Henry became chairman of Coleshill YFC, before being elected as president of the National Federation of Young Farmers in 1960. Ten years later, he led the NFU as president, before being knighted in 1970.
Champion for the sector
Minette said: “There was no one more passionate about British farming than Lord Plumb and he remained a great champion for the sector throughout his life. He worked with a constant energy and determination to ensure the importance of farming was recognised by policy makers and continued to highlight the importance of the sector throughout his time in the House of Lords.
“As President of the NFU throughout the 1970s, he was at the head of the organisation when Britain joined the European Union. His success in guiding the NFU through a turbulent period came from his great ability to persuade through discussion and well-reasoned argument.
“Following his nine-year Presidency of the NFU, he became a Member of the European Parliament and was later elected as its President.
Passion and dedication
“His impact on British farming during a career in agriculture and politics that spanned decades cannot be underestimated. His passion, dedication and sheer hard work on behalf of, and for, our industry was an inspiration to me and to many others.
“He was a truly remarkable man. He was committed, fearless and the most charming man you could meet.
“His loss will be deeply felt and our sympathies are with his family at this sad time.”
