Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) CEO Wesley Aston has said farewell to the organisation he has been a part of for over 35 years.
He joined the organisation in 1991 as a policy officer, working across the fish farming, pig and poultry committees at a time when Northern Ireland agriculture was navigating significant structural shifts.
By 1995, he had risen to policy director, also taking on the role of secretary to the dairy committee during the de-regulation of milk marketing boards.
In 2015, following years at the heart of policy development and industry representation, he was appointed chief executive.
In his time with the UFU, Wesley has been centrally involved in the formation of key industry organisations such as AgriSearch; Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI); and, most recently, Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG).
He also helped the UFU with their centenary celebrations in 2018, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.
Aston said: “I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has happened, but more importantly to look forward.
“There have always been challenges historically including BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), foot-and-mouth disease, direct support reforms, Brexit, and Covid-19.
“Today, we face issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, Lough Neagh, the ongoing scourge of bovine TB (tuberculosis) and the spread of new livestock diseases.”
Opportunities
Aston noted that climate change and geopolitical instability serve as a stark reminder that there will always be a fundamental need for food.
He said: “It is essential that we take these opportunities to develop a strategic, collaborative approach between industry and government.
“One that justifies and secures the necessary funding and develops policies to improve production efficiencies, ensuring a profitable and sustainable farming industry in Northern Ireland.
“We have already begun this process with the introduction of major, Northern Ireland-wide schemes for both soils and ruminant genetics, with almost £100 million committed by the Northern Ireland Executive.”
The retiring CEO was upbeat about the future of farming.
“I have never been more optimistic about the future of our farming industry,” he said.
“It is an industry to be proud of.
“UFU has a fantastic team from our local group members and staff, our policy committees right through to our presidential team and headquarters staff and it has been an honour and a privilege to have worked with them all across the years.”
In his closing remark, Aston encouraged farmers to get involved with the UFU.
He said: “Make sure you are a member of your UFU and play your part in securing a prosperous future for our next generation of farmers.”
Successor
Meanwhile, the UFU has welcomed Conall Donnelly at its new chief executive, as he officially took up the role following his appointment in September.
Donnelly said: “Northern Ireland’s farmers are facing a period of profound change, but also real opportunity.”
“Following the steady leadership of Wesley Aston at the helm of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, my focus will be on ensuring the union remains a strong, credible voice for farm families and works constructively with government and industry stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for agriculture.”
