The new series of President’s Area meetings being organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union beginning in Enniskillen next Monday evening, will focus on the supply chain, profitability and volatility.
Ulster Farmers’ Union president, Ian Marshall, says the annual President’s Area meetings will focus on the future for agriculture after a difficult year for the entire industry in 2015. 
The series of meetings begins in Fermanagh, at the Killyhevlin Hotel, on Monday, January 11 at 8pm
Mr Marshall said that while there was widespread recognition of the importance of farming and food to the local economy, there was an urgent need to put ways to tackle price volatility at the top of the agenda. He said the meetings will be an opportunity for the leadership team to highlight a number of initiatives. 
“As well as focusing on the supply chain, profitability and market volatility, we also intend to take forward ideas to develop new markets, particularly outside the EU. We will look at alternative finance sources and the continuation of training and new capital investment,” said Mr Marshal. He added that other priorities include making more use of genomics in livestock farming, land tenure and, in particular, plans along with the YFCU, to link farmers with limited succession opportunities to young people trying to get into the industry.  
“Throughout 2016 the UFU will also work on improving producer orientated research and development and continue to implement livestock disease eradication and control programmes,” Mr Marshall said, adding that the meetings would allow the UFU to answer questions from members.  “The meetings really are an excellent opportunity for members to speak directly with the UFU leadership team – the people who are at the forefront of discussions on agriculture at local, national and EU levels,” said Mr Marshall.
The County Tyrone meeting is on Wednesday, January 20 in the Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh.
Right; Ian Marshall, President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union.