Founded in 1918, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) is the largest democratic voluntary organisation representing farmers and

The UFU takes a close interest in rural affairs and services, and works with politicians both in the U.K. and Internationally, and other groups and organisations to advance rural interests. It has particularly close links with consumer groups, countryside and wildlife bodies, animals welfare organisations and academics. The Union works closely with the National Farmers' Union's in England, Scotland and Wales, and the Irish Farmers' Association in Dublin.  Collectively the UK Union's support the Bureau de l'Agriculture Brittanique, giving local farmers a permanent staff presence in Brussels.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 UFU headquarters

The strength of the Union is clearly demonstrated by its ability to successfully represent the wide range of interests of farmers.

Mission Statement:

To serve its members by promoting and supporting a vibrant and sustainable rural economy where agriculture is secure and pivotal to its future.

Objectives:

    1. To defend the rights and promote the interests of its members;

    2. To seek to secure the economic sustainability and quality of life for farm families;

    3. To encourage environmentally sustainable, welfare friendly, market orientated farming practices;

    4. To improve the wider social infrastructures within the rural economy.

How do we ensure that we accurately represent farmers views? 

UFU grass roots members discuss policy issues at their local Group and County meetings.  These are then examined in detail at the Unions Central Committees, before policies are ratified at the UFU's monthly Executive Committee meeting.  

Some recent results:

• Closed period slurry spreading flexibility
• Government commitment to establish a Supermarket Adjudicator
• No costly and bureaucratic Independent Environmental Protection Agency
• A highly successful Cut It Out anti-red tape campaign, leading to the introduction of an independent review of bureaucracy  
• NI Programme Government commitments to support the NI agri-food industry including developing a strategic plan for the industry
• Growth in membership in 2010 and 2011
• Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) to include fresh pork, poultry and sheep meat
• Secured an estimated addition £16million for LFA farmers since identifying the potential to increase LFA payments as a result of the rising value of the EURO against Sterling
• Over £15million invested into the farming sector via the Farm Modernisation Programme

Today's major issues:

• CAP reform post 2013
• Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS)/mapping
• EU Budget
• Raising farm gate prices to offset soaring feed, fuel and fertiliser costs
• Cutting red tape
• More public procurement of local produce
• Better share of retail prices
• Rural crime
• Health and safety
• Eradication of TB and BVD

For more information about the Union, follow the links below:

• Office Bearers and staff

• Past Presidents