Young Farmers' Clubs Of Ulster
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE YFCU
AERA Committee
The YFCU Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee are responsible for
responding to agricultural, rural and environmental legislation and oversee the actions of the
DAERA funding platform. Committee members develop and provide educational training opportunities
such as farm safety and organise the annual Agri-Trip and Agri-Food conference.
Join the committee TODAY!
In line with recent changes, YFCU are delighted to invite any YFCU member to submit an expression of interest form to join the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee for 2025/2026. Clink the button to complete the form for the chance to be considered to be part of the Committee and continue to drive the organisation forward and have your voice heard. The form is open until Monday 17th March 2025, after which applicants will progress to a short interview.
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Mitchell Park (Glarryford YFC)
Chairperson of Committee
"The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committee is a long-standing body within our organisation. We aim to act as a voice of advocacy for young people when it comes to things like agriculture, environment and rural affairs, supporting their interests. These efforts aim to empower young farmers, enhance their knowledge, and ensure their active participation in shaping the future of agriculture and rural affairs".
The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee focuses on policy engagement, acting as an advocacy voice for YFCU members when responding to agricultural and environmental legislation. The committee develops educational opportunities through training initiatives and agricultural focused competitions. The committee also takes responsibility for the organisation of the annual Agri Trip and bi-annual Agri Conference.
The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee actively responds to related policies and liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland (DAERA) regularly, acting as one of the department's consulting bodies. The committee ensure that the perspectives of young people are considered in policy making processes and further collaborates with Government and industry partners, providing members with information relating to rural and agricultural education, training and employment opportunities. They regularly update the Ulster Farmers' Union and other industry leaders on their current projects.
The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee develops and provides educational and training opportunities relating to agriculture, including club programme activities on Farm Safety. The committee also takes responsibility for the organisation and facilitation of the bi-annual Agri-Conference and Agri-Trip where members are given the opportunity to travel to different farming systems across the UK. Members of the committee travel to conferences throughout the year to have their voices heard such as the Oxford Farming Conference, Nuffield Farming Conference and other agricultural events hosted by sister organisations.
If you have any questions regarding our Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, please contact our Headquarters office and speak to our Membership & Club Development Executive, Sarah.
Email: sarah.halliday@yfcu.org Telephone: 028 9037 0713