UFU AGM reminder – key agri speakers confirmed

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) have revealed that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Edwin Poots MLA and the Chairperson of the  Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, Declan McAleer MLA, will be addressing council members at the drive-in Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Saturday 25 July, 2020 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jul 2020, 08:00 BST
NI Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair, Declan McAleer MLANI Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair, Declan McAleer MLA
NI Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair, Declan McAleer MLA

UFU chief executive Wesley Aston said: “Following agreement by our Executive Committee, this year’s AGM will be a socially distanced drive-in and it will be the first time in several years that a locally elected Minister and an NI Assembly Committee Chair, will be attending as guest speakers.

“We are delighted that both the Minister, Edwin Poots MLA and the Committee Chairperson Declan McAleer MLA, can come along on the day.

“Their addresses will be of great interest to our members and they will be able to take part in the question and answer session.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th January 2020 - Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th January 2020 - Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th January 2020 - Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

“Our Northern Ireland farming industry is facing huge challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, and it is important that our members get the opportunity to hear from these two key figures in the local agri-food industry and can put their questions directly to them.
“The drive-in will be in keeping with both the UFU’s constitution and rules, and the NI Executive’s ‘unlocking’ strategy.

“This approach guarantees the essential election of a new president and gives Victor Chestnutt the platform to set out his plans for the critical period ahead for the farming and wider agri-food industry.

“Our membership will also be able to publicly thank our outgoing president Ivor Ferguson, for his contribution and dedication to the position which was extended for three months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, following a very tough two-year term.”

Virtual streaming of the AGM will also be made available for those who are not able to attend because of health concerns.

“While our AGM will be adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols and those medically shielding can attend in line with updated guidance from the NI Executive, we understand that some of our council members may not wish to attend due to medical concerns.

“To accommodate this, we will be making a special provision for an alternative virtual method so that those who cannot be there in person can still watch and participate from their home,” said Mr Aston.

Related topics:AGMDeclan McAleer MLAUlster Farmers' UnionEdwin Poots MLA