The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is delighted to announce their new partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council, who have become a corporate member.
Commenting on the new corporate partnership, UFU membership director Derek Lough said, “We are delighted that ABC Council has become a corporate member of the UFU. In March, ABC Council set out their vision for the local agricultural industry at the launch of its pioneering Agriculture Strategy – the first of its kind in Northern Ireland (NI). It was fantastic to see the strategic report placing an emphasis on the local agri-food industry – from ‘field to fork’ – providing key proposals for the council to best support the sector, driving its long-term viability. The UFU is looking forward to its new partnership with ABC Council, continuing to deliver a bright future for our farming families and the NI agri industry.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said, “On behalf of the council, we are absolutely delighted to join the UFU as a new corporate member, as we continue to forge new relationships and work collaboratively to stimulate growth across the local agriculture sector.
“Not only are we the first council UFU corporate member, but we also launched NI’s first council-led Agriculture Strategy last month, which is a testimony to the ambition, aspiration and commitment of our council to demonstrate innovation and be responsive to the emerging issues in our business and farming community.
“Our borough is well-known and characterised by its fertile lands, rolling hills, orchards, the lough and rich farming heritage, so it comes as no surprise that we’re home to over 3,400 farm enterprises leading in horticulture, cattle, sheep and cereal farming, as well as bringing around £376 million into the local economy and employing over 7,000 local people. Through our new Agriculture Strategy, we have set out a vision and outlined the steps needed to support and drive further growth within this vitally important industry.”
Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Declan McAlinden commented, “I am delighted that a key strategic agenda impacting on our council has brought agriculture in our borough to the fore.
“The strategy outlines our strong commitment to the industry and collaborative working with key stakeholders, government departments, agencies, businesses and the farming community will be important in its delivery. While we are conscious of the challenges faced by the industry in the near term, we are excited about the opportunities and possibilities for agriculture in borough in the years ahead.”
ABC Council is now developing the strategy’s action plan and would encourage all local stakeholders’ engagement to help shape and inform its development. To find out how you can share your thoughts, please contact council’s Regeneration Manager – Strategy and Policy: Lissa O’Malley, agri@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk.
Photo caption: (L-R) – Lissa O’Malley, ABC Council, Regeneration Manager Strategy and Policy, Cllr Declan McAlinden, Chair of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee, Lord Mayor Armagh City Banbridge Craigavon Borough Alderman Glenn Barr and Roberta Simmons, UFU membership development officer.
