Following a backlash from farmer members, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has removed electricity grid operator SONI as a corporate member of the organisation.
The UFU offers a corporate membership programme to companies who are connected to farming in NI.
According to the UFU, corporate membership allows networking opportunities, weekly industry briefings, and social media promotion.
In early November, the UFU announced that SONI had taken out corporate membership, but this quickly led to criticism from a group of farmer members.
It is understood that most of the kickback came from farmers in the Armagh area who are affected by the North South Interconnector project.
A spokesperson from the UFU confirmed that the issue was discussed by the union’s executive committee last week.
The spokesperson said there is “considerable concern and dissatisfaction” with how SONI has engaged with the affected farmers.
“Therefore, the decision has been taken by the UFU executive committee to remove SONI as a corporate member and this has been communicated to them,” the spokesperson said.
The UFU spokesperson confirmed that union representatives are planning to meet with the affected farmers and “will progress with SONI as appropriate”.
“The priority for the UFU is the protection of its farming members,” the spokesperson said.
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