Farmers from across Africa will be glad of the NFU's backing

Farmers from across Africa will be glad of the NFU's backing

Hundreds of East African farmers are set to benefit long-term after backing from the farming community in the form of some significant donations.

Delegates at this year’s National Farmers’ Union (NFU) conference donated a significant total of £6,500 and the appeal also received a cheque for an undisclosed amount from the Goodman Foundation.

A number of other fund raising events are planned for later in the year including a golf day in April and a charity bike ride from London to Paris in June.

Sarah Whitelock, head of communications at the NFU, said: “The current economic climate brings further uncertainty and insecurity to East African farmers who are struggling to feed their families and earn a small income from only a couple of acres of land.

“There has been chronic underinvestment in the agriculture of developing countries and as a result the small patch of land that subsistence farmers do have is only meeting a third of its potential.

“The generosity of the farmers at the NFU dinner and the Goodman Foundation means that, via registered charity FARM-Africa, we can reach hundreds more farmers who are facing overwhelming odds.

“By showing them how to grow food which will improve their families’ nutrition and achieve a small income we are helping them find long term solutions to their problems. I speak for everyone involved in the appeal when I say how very grateful we are for the generosity shown by the farming community.”

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