NFU members throughout Wales will have the opportunity to questions candidates as the union replaces its presidential team in 2018.

Nominations have been confirmed for the NFU Cymru presidential elections, with members having the opportunity to hear from prospective candidates at a series of hustings events in early 2018.

NFU Cymru elects a presidential team every two years, with members voting for a new president and deputy president. Current NFU Cymru president Stephen James, from Pembrokeshire, has made the decision not to stand for re-election following two terms as president.

The NFU Cymru county structure has made its nominations, with all 11 counties nominating current NFU Cymru deputy president John Davies from Brecon to the role of president.

A number of nominations have been received and accepted for the position of deputy president. The candidates will be:

•Wyn Evans, a beef and sheep farmer from Ceredigion and current NFU Cymru livestock board chairman;

•Aled Jones, a dairy farmer from Mid Gwynedd who recently stood down as NFU Cymru milk board chairman, and

•Hedd Pugh, a beef and sheep farmer in Meirionnydd and current NFU Cymru rural affairs board chairman,

A series of hustings events will take place over the coming weeks to give the NFU Cymru membership the opportunity to question each of the respective candidates before the elections in January. The new team will be elected in January 2018 at NFU Cymru Welsh Council.

NFU Cymru schedule:

•Wednesday, January 3 – 11am, Hotel Plas Hyfryd, Narberth

•Wednesday, January 3 – 7.30pm, Barn at Brynich, Brecon

•Thursday, January 4 – 11am, Maesmawr Hall Hotel, Caersws

•Thursday, January 4 – 7.30pm, Eagles Hotel, Llanwrst

NFU Cymru director John Mercer said: “This is a pivotal time for the agricultural industry, but also a hugely exciting opportunity to develop a new and dynamic policy framework post-Brexit. At this important juncture it is vitally important that we have a strong leadership base to represent Welsh farmers and as a democratic organisation it is now up to our members to decide on the candidates who will lead the union forward from 2018.

“The success and strength of NFU Cymru is undoubtedly down to its ability to combine professional staff with dedicated and passionate farmers in key officeholder positions who can represent the Welsh farming industry, not only in Wales, but also in Westminster and Brussels.