Young Farmers' Sponsorship Welcomed

There's news today of welcome commercial sponsorship that is helping to assure the continuation of an important rural initiative.

Just weeks after heated debate over a since revised plan to cut substantial funding for the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), the rural network has revealed a deal with Elanco.

The global manufacturer of products to improve animal health will now support several key activities in NI's countryside.

Speaking at a reception for agricultural journalists in Belfast, YFCU President, Thoburn McCaughey, (pictured with Elanco's Michelle McCotter) said: "All of our clubs will have the opportunity of actively participating in the range of events and activities planned with Elanco for the next year.

"Sponsorship of our activities and events is of vital importance and joining forces with Elanco in this way helps our cause immeasurably."

Michelle McCotter said: "Our agreement with the YFCU will allow us to provide additional, on-farm training opportunities for its members.

"We want to develop this to its full potential, facilitating the needs of young people right across Northern Ireland."

The news comes on foot of now revised plans by the Stormont Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew not to renew a £75,000 annual grant, as one of the cost savings proposed in her Department's draft budget proposals, published in January.

She suggested that the grant to clubs would come to an end in March.

However, after lobbying, she recently announced her decision to renew the grant after all: "This has been the single issue that has attracted most comment.

"I recognise how much the YFCU is valued in our rural community," she said.

The funding has now been 'restored' - but with caveats: "I am content to continue to fund the YFCU for a further three-year period subject to them providing a suitable business proposal covering specific areas of work which I have agreed with them.

"The areas of work we discussed included Rural Road Safety in conjunction with the Gaelic Athletic Association, Succession Planning, encouraging the uptake of online applications by farm businesses and a schools outreach programme of a cross-community nature.

"I also asked them to progress a programme of work to integrate the work of the YFCU into local rural community initiatives including a focus on rural women's' issues particularly domestic violence," the Minister said.

Earlier, the Ulster Unionist MLA, Danny Kinahan had condemned the proposed withdrawal of the funding - as did his party leader, Tom Elliot - and had called on the Sinn Fein Agriculture Minister to rethink the cuts.

"The Young Farmers' Clubs embody the spirit of youth that all clubs should follow," he said.

The Alliance Agriculture Spokesperson, Kieran McCarthy also put pressure on the Stormont Agriculture Minister to ensure continued funding for Young Farmers' Clubs in Northern Ireland.

Although the grant is now back on track, the deal announced today with Elanco was all the more warmly welcomed - given the previous uncertainty.

See: Youth Farmers' Clubs Funds In Focus

See: YFC Supported

(BMcC)