The Ulster Farmers Union has welcomed the announcement by agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill to open the first phase of the Farm Business Improvement scheme (FBIS) next month. The first phase of the scheme will see the creation of business development groups for farmers.

Commenting on the announcement, UFU deputy president Barclay Bell said farmers will be pleased to hear that the application process will soon open. “Farm business development groups are a great way for farmers to learn from other farmers and share ideas. The groups will be a forum for farmers to keep up-to-date with all the latest technology,” he said. Mr Bell added that the groups will create an opportunity for farmers to be guided by a training facilitator to help improve their businesses. “This is all about the best use of education, knowledge sharing and skills,” he said.

The UFU will be backing the development of these new groups, recognising the benefits they could bring for the industry. “Farmers who choose to participate in these groups are demonstrating an appetite to learn and share information with other farmers. This will benefit everyone in the group by helping them adapt to the changing needs of the industry in the years ahead,” said Mr. Bell.