Tim Lock, of Bury, near Arundel, was presented with a regional Meurig Raymond Award 鈥� an award named after the NFU鈥檚 former president - for his services to agriculture.
The presentation took place on 22 February, at the NFU鈥檚 annual conference in Birmingham.
Mr Lock was a long-standing member of the NFU鈥檚 national dairy board, as an appointee, between 2018 and 2020.
An NFU South East spokeswoman said: 鈥淗e played a key role in developing the NFU鈥檚 lobbying strategy that later saw the trade association press government for the reform of milk contracts. During this time, Mr Lock liaised with fellow dairy farmers who valued his input and ability to find solutions.鈥�
He has also represented local farmers鈥� interests as a trustee of Arun and Rother Rivers Trust from 2011 until 2016, and has worked closely with the RSPB on wader conservation.
In addition, Mr Lock takes a keen interest in education.
鈥淏ack in 2006 and 2007, with fellow NFU member Caroline Harriott, Tim used to help arrange an annual HGCA Farmhouse Breakfast event at Bury School, near Pulborough, that was sponsored by NFU South East. He feels strongly that children should know where their food comes from and all the breakfast products served were local. Youngsters were encouraged to think about the productive farmland on their doorsteps as Tim brought his tractor in to school and gave talks about its function on the farm,鈥� added the spokeswoman.
Just before the pandemic, Tim Lock took part in the NFU Farmers鈥� for Schools initiative, with a view to giving talks to youngsters about farming in schools. Before that, he undertook CEVAS training with a view to offering educational visits.
Notes to Editors
His services to the dairy industry are considerable, evidenced by the following positions held:
Regional Rep for M&S Dairy Producers 2014-2016.
Served on Direct Milk Forum 2016 to 2017
Muller Milk Group Forum 2017 to 2020
Currently Chair of M&S National Milk Pool. 2016 鈥� to 2020.
RSPCA Standards and Technical Advisory Group 2016 to date