Founded in 1918, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is the largest democratic voluntary organisation representing farmers and growers in Northern Ireland. Its central objective is to promote their interests both at home and abroad through professional lobbying.
The UFU takes a close interest in rural affairs and services, works with politicians both in the U.K. and Internationally, and with 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 UFU works closely with National Farmers’ Unions in England, Scotland and Wales, and the Irish Farmers’ Association in Dublin. Collectively the UK Unions support the Bureau de l’Agriculture Brittanique, giving local farmers a permanent staff presence in Brussels.
The strength of the UFU is clearly demonstrated by its ability to successfully represent the wide range of interests of farmers.
To serve its members by promoting and supporting a vibrant and sustainable rural economy where agriculture is secure and pivotal to its future.
Mission Statement, Ulster Farmers Union
Objectives
- To defend the rights and promote the interests of its members.
- To seek to secure the economic sustainability and quality of life for farm families.
- To encourage environmentally sustainable, welfare friendly, market orientated farming practices.
- 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 UFU’s central committees, before policies are ratified at the UFU’s monthly executive committee meeting.
