Best wishes have been expressed to the Ulster Farmers’ Union Chief Executive, Clarke Black, following the announcement that he is to retire after the organisation’s annual meeting next April.

His decision follows after almost 13 years of service to the UFU and 40 years of working in Northern Ireland’s agriculture industry.

UFU President Ian Marshall said: “Clarke took up the helm of the UFU in 2002 and has provided strong leadership to the organisation throughout his tenure.

During his time there has never been a dull moment as he steered the organisation through a number of significant events such as various reforms of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), episodes of severe weather, the 2008 dioxin scare, and the devastating foot and mouth crisis.

Under his leadership the organisation has grown and developed and he is leaving the UFU in a strong and healthy position. Clarke’s retirement is a sad day for us but we know that he has a number of exciting opportunities on the horizon and we fully expect that he will stay touch with the UFU and the wider agriculture industry.” UFU Chief Executive Clarke Black said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the UFU, it is a fantastic place to work and I have been privileged to work alongside such loyal and dedicated members and staff. The Union is a critical part of the agriculture industry, not only locally but also at a UK and European level, and it has been an honour for me to be Chief Executive of this long-standing, credible and highly respected organisation.

“The UFU’s core strength is its members and I have always been proud of our broad, growing, and engaged membership base. Strong membership, backed up by good financial resources and a healthy balance sheet, is why the UFU is so effective in lobbying on behalf of farmers interests and I am pleased that I will be leaving the organisation in a sound and stable position.” The recruitment process to find Clarke’s successor, is already underway.