A recruitment campaign is underway to find a new chief executive officer of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).
Current CEO, Wesley Aston is set to retire at the end of March next year.
With 34 years of service to the UFU including 10 as CEO, the union has said that Wesley has been pivotal in guiding the organisation and the farming industry through some of the most challenging times including BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), foot and mouth disease, Brexit, Covid-19, and more recently, the development of a new overarching sustainable agriculture support programme for Northern Ireland.
From a small beef and sheep farm in Co. Armagh, Wesley began as policy officer in 1991 looking after the fish farming, pig and poultry committees before taking up the role of policy director in 1995.
At that time, he also became secretary to the dairy committee when milk marketing boards were being deregulated. In 2015, he was appointed CEO.
Applications for the CEO role is now open until 22 August.
UFU president William Irvine said: “We are now beginning the recruitment process for the next CEO of the UFU.
“In recent years, the farming industry has faced a series of significant challenges from inheritance tax to the Nutrients Action Programme proposals and TB remains a significant issue.
“It’s clear that going forward, new and complex issues will continue to emerge.
“Therefore, we’re seeking a strong, strategic leader who can guide our member focused organisation through the next chapter,” he added.
The UFU has stated that the successful candidate for the role of CEO will work closely with the committees, senior leadership and stakeholders across industry and government to represent the voice of farming families ensuring the union remains effective, financially sustainable and responsive to the evolving needs of our members.
“We welcome applications from across the UK and Ireland and look forward to engaging with candidates who share our vision and values as we move through this important recruitment process,” Irvine added.
