The board's remit is to formulate and decide the policy for the poultry sector and represent the interests of NFU poultry producers, be it meat or eggs.

You will cover a plethora of issues affecting the sector, and for those who are involved, it will prove to be a worthwhile and rewarding experience.

So, if you normally sit at home reading Poultry Forum, BF&G or NFUonline and think 'I could do that' or 'I'd like to know how that was decided' then now is your chance to see first-hand just how poultry representation works within the NFU.

What is NFU looking for?

Keen individuals who can contribute to the work of the board and really make a difference to the sector.

As a board member you will be given responsibility for certain work areas and will be expected to communicate with other poultry members in your region, facilitating the transfer of information from regional poultry boards and forums up to the national board and vice versa.

The national board meets six times a year and members receive an annual honorarium which is paid monthly. Board members are elected for a two-year period after which time they may stand down or stand again for re-selection.

How to put your name forward?

NFU poultry members who would like to be considered for a place on the national poultry board are required to submit a nomination form. This must be signed by eight supporting NFU members. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by the 16 November 2011.

How are board members chosen?

Board members are selected via a competitive process, which will take into account both regional and sector representation on the board.

Nominations will go to a selection panel consisting of an NFU officeholder, the chief poultry adviser and senior member from the poultry industry who will select the board from 2012-2014.

The new board will then sit for a meeting in January 2012, under the existing chairman, then in March, after the NFU AGM, the chairman and vice chairman will be elected and the office-holder team and NFU council will be notified of the appointments.

How to get an application form

If you would like more information and a copy of the nominations form, please contact your regional NFU office, call Kelly Watson on 02476 858620 or email [email protected] .