The UFU suspends meetings for the safety of members and staff.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has took the unanimous decision to suspend internal meetings due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, with immediate effect. The health and safety of members and staff has been the primary incentive behind this announcement.
Commenting on the UFU’s stance regarding the suspension of meetings, UFU president Ivor Ferguson said, “With the continued uncertainty regarding the spread of COVID-19, the UFU has taken the decision to suspend all meetings with immediate effect. We are disappointed to have reached this outcome but the safety of our members and staff is our number one priority.
“We feel that to hold meetings, inviting members to gather in enclosed areas would be irresponsible given the current situation of the pandemic and the advice from the National Health Service (NHS). We are enduring the biggest health challenge of our generation. Therefore, as a membership organisation we must act responsibly by doing what we can to protect one another and to support our healthcare professionals in their efforts to safeguard the people of Northern Ireland.”
The UFU will continue to monitor COVID-19 in the UK and will review the situation in the coming weeks.
“At the present time it is not possible to say when we will be able to get back on track and reschedule meetings. Like many, we are taking it one day at a time and will monitor the situation closely. We will keep members up to date with the situation and will release more information in due course,” said Mr Ferguson.