YFCU president speaks at annual meeting of EAAP

The theme throughout the week was ‘Sustainable Food Production: Livestock’s Key Role.’

The event is Europe’s largest animal science conference and it is the first time ever that Northern Ireland has hosted the event that featured 1000 presentations and 1200 delegates.

The content covered the whole range of animal 
science including genetics, nutrition, animal management and health, physiology, cattle, sheep and goat, pig, poultry and horse production and livestock farming systems.

It also featured fish and food and there were sessions featuring science relevant to the industry.

Roberta Simmons, YFCU President commented: “Alongside UFU President, Barclay Bell, and our Macra counterparts, President Seán Finan and CEJA President, Alan Jagoe, on Tuesday afternoon I was delighted to have the opportunity to present at Europe’s biggest animal science event on the Land Mobility initiative in Northern Ireland, with the session being chaired by UFU CEO, Wesley Aston.

“Our aim was to highlight the implications of the ageing profile of European Livestock Farmers and the high proportion of farmers with no identified successor on farming practice and the challenges facing young farmers in relation to access to land.”

Roberta continued: “I would like to sincerely thank the organisers of EAAP for the opportunity to present and deliver on what we are doing here in Northern Ireland to help generational renewal and sustainability of the industry for the next generation.”