Challenging Times : Future Opportunities

There is no doubt that the farming industry is facing challenging times. Last year’s poor weather, this year’s late spring coupled with fodder shortages and cash flow problems have compounded some of the existing stressors farmers already experience.

For the first time Rural Support and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust are coming together to host a half day conference to highlight how the current difficulties have an impact on farmers health and wellbeing.   It will highlight some of the work already being done to address these issues and significantly it will also detail the potential for growth and prosperity within the industry.   

This flagship event is aimed at cross-sectoral policy makers, politicians, farmers, industry leaders and organisations, agri-professionals, banks and health care professionals. By bringing together a range of delegates the conference will examine how we can all work together to achieve positive health outcomes and a vibrant, sustainable rural community.   A range of key speakers within agriculture and the health service will address the conference with opening remarks by Ministers Michelle O’Neill and Edwin Poots. The compere will be Richard Wright with presentations from a range of speakers including; Dr Brian Hunter – Northern Trust, Alan Gibson – Moy Park, Ian Marshall – UFU and Jude McCann – Rural Support.

Rural Support will be showing the first viewing of a range of short films entitled ‘Giving Voice to Rural Issues’.

The Farm Families Health Check screening van will be in attendance and available to carry out health checks.

If you or a representative would like to attend this important conference on Thursday 7th November 2013, 9.30am – 1.15pm in the Conference Hall at Greenmount College, Antrim, then please book your free place by contacting Jeni on 028 2563 5575 or email jeni.gordon@northerntrust.hscni.net by Thursday 24th October 2013.  Places are limited so it is advised to book early.  Refreshments and lunch will be provided.