Ulster Farmers Union elects new president and top team

William Irvine has been elected as the new president of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), taking over from David Brown.

Mr Irvine, a dairy farmer from County Armagh, will take up the top role for two years after being elected at the union’s annual general meeting on 1 May.

He will be joined by John McLenaghan, who was re-elected to serve as deputy president for a second term and Glenn Cuddy, who was newly elected as deputy president.

See also: NI farmers face severe lack of vet products, inquiry finds

First minister of Northern Ireland (NI), Michelle O’Neill and deputy first minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, also joined the meeting and gave an address to the UFU membership.

In his maiden speech as president, Mr Irvine spoke about some of the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Northern Ireland, such as TB and ammonia, as well as the importance of food production and working with government.

He said: “As farmers and growers, we now have two very important jobs. We must produce enough food to feed a growing population, while playing our part in tackling climate change.

“The new future agriculture policy is currently being rolled out here in NI and we continue to lobby to get much-needed sheep support in place.

“Investing and supporting our NI farming industry, from arable and horticulture to livestock farming, translates into a prosperous future for all.

“Farmers cannot be sacrificed for other societal objectives. We are essential to both a healthy world and a healthy population.”

Mr Irvine added that with an election due later this year, the UFU continues to call for an increase in the NI agricultural budget and a commitment for farming and food production from all the UK political parties.

“Food security must be a top priority for any government,” he said.

Bovine TB

Mr Irvine added: “TB is one of the most pressing issues for our industry and one of the most heart wrenching.

“The science is clear, and we are in dire need of an effective programme that tackles TB in all its hosts.

“To say it’s long overdue is an absolute understatement.

“The wildlife control programme in England has been an undeniable success delivering the lowest level of breakdowns for many years, resulting in healthier wildlife and livestock.

“We hope that with new chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher now in post we can get back on track to eradicating this disease once and for all.”