Brexit debate will break new ground

“The event will provide young farmers with a platform to discuss the opportunities that exist for production agriculture, once the UK leaves the European Union,” he said.

“We have 3,000 members and it’s important for them to have a say in terms of how agricultural policy will be developed in the future. Brexit affects our members more than those within any other farming organisation in Northern Ireland. Monday’s debate will start the process by which YFCU can formulate a policy reflecting the views held by the vast majority of our members. It is also an event that will break new ground for YFCU.”

The event has been developed with the following theme:  “What’s our Future? NI Agriculture outside the EU”. It will take place on Monday, 28th November in CAFRE’s, Loughry Campus. The starting time is 7.30pm.

Supported by Danske Bank, the debate is an excellent opportunity for the young rural voice to be heard, regarding the future for agriculture in Northern Ireland outside the European Union. Everyone under 40 years old, members and non-members will be welcome to the event , which will be chaired by Irish Farmers Journal Editor, David Wright.

Speakers on the night are Wesley Aston, CEO, Ulster Farmers Union; Ian Marshall, Agri-Food Strategy Board member and Chris Manley, Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

They will be joined for a panel discussion and questions by Declan Billington, Chair NI Food & Drink Association; Owen Brennan, Agri-Food Strategy Board member; John Henning, Head of Agricultural Relations Danske Bank; Robert Moore, Ulster Arable Society member and Tony O’Neill, Chair Agri-Food Strategy Board.

The debate will be an excellent way for young farmers to have their say on the future for agriculture in Northern Ireland, post Brexit.

James Speers again: “At a later date YFCU will be holding round table discussions for members only to allow the organisation to draw up a policy document for a post Brexit environment here in NI. This policy document will then be presented to government in due course.”