WHO ARE WE?

We are the largest voluntary rural youth organisation who live in or have access to rural areas of Northern Ireland

Over 3,000 young people aged between 12-30 are currently members of the organisation, all of which are members of a network of 51 Clubs spread out over 6 counties.

Our Mission Statement:

‘The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster is a people focused organisation with the objective of encouraging individual development, creativity, initiative and contribution for the benefit of the member, the Charity, Industry and the Community.’

STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANISATION

We are an organisation run by young people for young people.

Each club operates with an officer team including a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and PRO, all of whom are within membership age and are elected at the Clubs Annual General Meeting.

Each club is required to run democratically following the Articles of Association and provide a programme of activities that the young people are responsible of delivering and developing.

CLUBS AND CLUB MEETINGS

51 Clubs throughout Northern Ireland meet formally on a fortnightly basis if you would like to find your nearest club use the map below.

Members design their own club programme. The meetings take the form of "In" meetings in Club Halls or "Out" Meetings where members visit Farms, Food Processing Factories, Fire / Police Stations as well as adventure centres and theme parks to name a few. There is also an International dimension with Exchanges, Seminars and Rallies.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The executive committee has circa thirty members representing at least 10 clubs throughout Northern Ireland.

The function of the Executive Committee is to manage all the affairs and activities of the YFCU.

COUNTY COMMITTEE

The County Committee includes; four members from each club in the county, Senior leader of each Junior club, one representative of the County Committee of the UFU, four members co-opted by the committee and at least one member of staff.

The function of the County Committee is to co-ordinate the work of the Clubs in the County; to promote suitable activities, submit resolutions affecting the Charity to the Council or Executive Committee and advise and assist the Council and the Executive Committee in carrying out the policy of the YFCU.

SUB COMMITTEES

AERA

How is the AERA formed?

The Executive have the right to form Sub-Committees as needed from time to time. AERA is annually reformed.

What are the aims of the committee?

Policy Issues

Responding to agricultural, rural and environmental legislation and policy
Representing the Association at meetings with major bodies within Northern Ireland. The sub-committee meet four times a year.
Giving a voice to young people in regards to rural, agricultural and environmental policy making
Overseeing the actions of the DAERA funding platform

Education

Developing and providing agricultural training opportunities including; Farm Safety, Agri-Conference, Farm Walks etc
Assist staff with the School’s Project. The School’s Project works alongside schools to add value to students studying agricultural related courses
Working alongside government and industry to give members information relating to rural and agricultural education, training and employment opportunities
Work alongside CAFRE to develop Level 3 agricultural qualifications.

Other responsibilities

Organising the Agri- trip for members
Organising the Bi-Annual Agri Conference
Comment occasionally on agricultural competitions

How can members have their voice heard?

Individual informs their club reps who take the matter to County Level. The County Reps then take the issue to Executive Level.

PROGRAMME AND DEVELOPMENT (P+D)

How is the P+D Formed?

The Executive have the right to form Sub-Committees as needed from time to time. P+D is annually reformed.