Colleagues have voiced their sorrow at the decision by one of the most high profile members of the farming community in Bri
tain.
They have also paid tribute to his hard work at commitment to the organisation.
Mr Temple, 47, said: "Due to a combination of personal and business circumstances, I require a period of time at home.
"Because of this, I feel I cannot give the time and commitment necessary to carry out the role and it is with great regret therefore that I am standing down."
President Peter Kendall said: "I am extremely sorry to lose Paul from the officeholder team but understand and respect his decision and would like to thank him profusely for the work he has carried out on behalf of the NFU.
"I will be consulting with the NFU's Governance Board and with Council about the process of electing a new Vice President in due course."
North East Regional Director, Richard Ellison said:"Over the last three years as Vice President, Paul has worked tirelessly on behalf of local farmers, in particular helping us lobby locally, nationally and internationally on the issues affecting our region – everything from flooding to pesticides and the future of the uplands.
"There is no doubt his contribution will be sorely missed, however we must respect his decision – one that I know he has found extremely difficult to make."
