YF boss vows to tackle deficit

20 July 2000



YF boss vows to tackle deficit

By FWi staff

THE recently-appointed boss of Young Farmers Clubs in England and Wales has vowed to overcome the organisations financial problems.

Janet Gee, chief executive of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, said it was vital that lack of money didnt overshadow the movement.

“Its about having fun while learning and developing. Its about preparing the farmers of tomorrow for the challenges tomorrows farming will bring.”

One of Ms Gees first tasks will be dealing with the groups money problems, with a 106,199 trading deficit reported in the year to 31 December, 1999.

“Im aware of the difficulties and impact this has had on morale. Ill be going through it line by line to see where the problems are so we can stop it.”

But there will be no quick fix. “Its taken us three years to get into the deficit. Itll take at least three years to get out of it.”

Ms Gee said she would build on successes like the competitions. “This is unique and distinctive compared with other youth movements.”

Falling membership reflects the drop in the number of people involved in agriculture and associated industries.

But with more non-farming individuals growing up in rural areas – and more interest in the environment – there are opportunities to gain new members.

Ms Gee said: “But I dont want to build membership for the sake of it. You can end up with numbers and no quality.”