Founded in 1918, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is the largest democratic voluntary organisation representing farmers and growers in Northern Ireland (NI). Its central objective is to promote their interests both at home and abroad through professional lobbying. Today, the UFU has over 11,500 members.
The UFU offers a number of memberships:
Farmer/Grower
The farmer/grower membership is for those who are actively involved with a farm business. The UFU is a voice for NI farmers and with your involvement, you have the power to influence and shape policy decisions which impact your farm business. The UFU represents farmers and growers at the highest governmental levels and is dedicated to creating a better future for our members so they have the opportunity to build a progressive, viable and sustainable farm businesses.
By becoming a member of the UFU you will be joining a proactive organisation that has a proven track record in looking after farmers’ interests. As a farming and growing member, you can avail of all of the UFU’s services including expert advice from our technical officers and industry knowledge from our policy officers, not to mention a wide range of discounts. Farmers/growers can avail of up to 20 percent off UFU training courses and discounts at many hotels and restaurants province wide. For a full list of services, click on our membership services page.
Corporate
Corporate membership is aimed at any businesses who are akin to agriculture, relying on the primary producer for their own livelihoods. This ranges from large multinationals like supermarkets and processors, to small, one-person rural accountants/solicitors that have a vested interest in the UFU securing a viable and sustainable agricultural industry in NI.
Level one to level five of corporate membership – Members can avail of reduced rates for staff perks cards through club marketing, saving up to 15 percent off the standard cost.
??????Members will also get the opportunity to attend networking events throughout the year where they can discuss agricultural issues with the UFU office bearer team. They can also discuss opportunities with fellow corporate members.
Corporate members will benefit from reduced advertising rates in the annual diary, access to social media through our dedicated member pages and editorial features in UFU watch.
Rural dweller
Rural dweller membership celebrates all that is great about NI’s countryside, from its beautiful landscapes to the farmers that produce our food. This membership category is specifically designed for the rural community and those who have a vested interest in the rural economy and wish to support the UFU in the work we do shaping policy for rural towns and villages. This membership would also suit those who no longer actively farm but would still like to be involved and be kept informed on Union activity.
Rural dwellers face numerous challenges that impact the quality of people’s lives and the sustainability of rural communities. The UFU supports the development of training and other resources to enhance good practice in relation to rural community development. Membership of the UFU ensures you are part of a strong rural voice, with over 11,500 members across the province all working towards rural strength.
Your membership fee will go towards helping our rural affairs committee lobby on your behalf on issues such as rural education, health and transport. As part of our membership you will have access to:
- Weekly updates on UFU lobbying activity through our bulletin
- Discounted ferry travel through P&O/Travel Solutions
- Various discounts through Membership Plus
- Discounted tickets to the Balmoral Show
- A free UFU diary
Student
Student membership is available to an individual associated with an accredited college, university or institution, who is enrolled in an agriculture related course. The UFU is dedicated to investing in our future generation of farmers and as part of this, we offer students a free membership for the duration of their course.
We recognise the importance of education for our young people as advances in agriculture mean that farmers need to be suitably equipped for running their farm as a profitable business. Student membership aims to keep you abreast of lobbying and policy shaping while building a relationship with our industry’s youth.
As part of our membership students will have access to:
- Weekly updates on UFU lobbying activity through our bulletin
- Discounted ferry travel through P&O/Travel Solutions
- Various discounts through Membership Plus
- A free UFU diary
- Discount on a range of IT products and other benefits through Dell UK
The UFU also run free student events throughout the year with a range of speakers covering various topical issues and forming valuable industry connections.
To apply for your free student membership of the UFU contact membership development officers Kathryn McCullough kmccullough@ufuhq.com and Roberta Simmons rsimmons@ufuhq.com or click here.
