The UK Farming Unions first established an office in Brussels in 1972 to represent the interests of UK farmers and growers as the UK joined the then European Economic Community (EEC). Officially known as the British Agriculture Bureau (BAB), nearly 50 years later this permanent base in Brussels continues to represent the 70,000 members of the NFU, NFU Scotland, the Ulster Farmers’ Union and NFU Cymru.
We promote and represent the views of our members to the European institutions, other European partners and Brussels stakeholders. We represent the interests of UK famers and growers through information gathering, analysis, influencing policy development, articulating the UK perspective, networking, building new relationships and alliances, and cementing existing ones.
Find out more about BAB by clicking here.
The Players
The UFU’s aim is to lobby these institutions to ensure that the concerns of farmers in Northern Ireland are taken into consideration during the decision-making process.
British Agriculture Bureau Staff
Main areas of responsibility: Political and trade issues inc. EU,-UK TCA, NI Protocol Financial and tax issues inc. CBAM, state aid Inter-institutional and third country relations Management of the relationship with Copa-Cogeca, NFU, NFU Cymru, NFUS and UFU Engagement with Brussels-based UK organisations.
Having lived in Brussels for 20 years, Michelle has the expertise to coordinate all Brussels meetings and visits of UFU delegations. Before working for the UFU in Brussels Michelle worked in CEN for the European Committee for Standardisation, she also has a background in the creative arts. Main areas of responsibility: Management of the BAB office Oversight of BAB finance, and alignment rules and regulations; co-ordination and management of office operations and meeting scheduling; event management; should be contacted regarding travel and hotel bookings, group visits and events
Main areas of responsibility: Trade farm to fork (F2F); animal health and welfare; SPS issues; food supply chain and organics; CEJA/Next generation; Farming sectors: livestock, dairy, pigs & poultry; writes for BF&G & NI magazine.
Main areas of responsibility: Environment and climate change; science & technology – inc. new genomic techniques; plant protection products; the Green Deal; biodiversity strategy and support F2F; agricultural support and rural development; farming sectors: cereals, oilseeds & proteins, sugar, seeds, horticulture, ornamentals & potatoes
