Farming News - Leading Landlords Convene Crisis Meeting to Discuss Response to Drought and Bluetongue
News
Leading Landlords Convene Crisis Meeting to Discuss Response to Drought and Bluetongue
The Duchy of Cornwall and National Trust have convened a meeting with the Tenant Farmers Association and the main farm support charities to discuss the concerning and escalating crisis caused by the prolonged drought and now the emerging bluetongue epidemic.
The meeting discussed the impacts that are being felt particularly keenly across many parts of England and into Wales. Many of the charities have experienced an increase in calls and requests for assistance and many noted the worrying mental health impacts on farming families.
Matthew Morris, Executive Director for Rural at the Duchy of Cornwall said 'Farmers are used to managing change and uncertainty, but this summer has brought a particularly challenging combination of prolonged dry weather, disease pressures and the cumulative impact of several difficult harvest years. Bringing organisations together to discuss these pressures has been valuable in helping us build a clear picture of what farmers are experiencing on the ground, share the support already available and identify where we can work more closely together. We know that collaboration across the sector will be central to supporting farmers through ongoing challenges they face. Our focus is on working with our partners and farming communities to provide practical support where it is needed, while continuing to help build resilient, profitable farming businesses that can thrive long-term.
George Dunn, Chief Executive at the Tenant Farmers Association said 'The extreme weather and disease outbreak add to an already long list of tough things that farmers and their families are having to deal with. People are on their knees and some of the conversations we are having are heartbreaking. I'm grateful to both the Duchy of Cornwall and National Trust for recognising the need for a response and for convening with the farming charities to look at what can be done to address the crisis in the short term and look at what long-term changes might be necessary to ensure sustainability and resilience into the future.'
The important message is that farmers are not alone and the farming charities are there to offer support and advice:
Addington Fund: Emergency support during times of crisis, through Forage Aid. Offering grant support and practical assistance to help safeguard livestock, maintain business continuity and support farmer wellbeing
01926 620135
enquiries@addingtonfund.org.uk
FCN: Supporting farmers and families within the farming community with a range of advice, help and support
01788 510866 or 03000 111999
RABI: Providing practical, financial and emotional support to farming people across England and Wales
0800 188 4444
Royal Countryside Fund: Working with Farm Support Groups nationwide [see pdf: RCF 15 RSG_Directory Update_RF59_V3]
www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk
We Are Farming Minds: A Herefordshire based farming charity focusing on Farmers mental health.
0808 8020070