The NFU and Farm Africa are teaming up to raise money for African producers by running the London Marathon
England’s farming leaders are donning their running vests to raise funds for Farm Africa, the charity which aims to reduce poverty via agricultural projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
The NFU and Farm Africa have united to form Team NFU, running in this year’s London Marathon, with NFU President Minette Batters being joined by NFU Vice President David Exwood, NFU North East regional director Adam Bedford, Defra Lead Spatial Analyst David Fouracre, and farmer Frederic Exwood.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “I am delighted that Team NFU will be running this year’s London Marathon to support our farming colleagues across eastern Africa. While we come from different continents, we all face the same food security challenges, and in times of such global volatility it’s more important than ever that we stand together.
“Just like here in Britain, African farms are often family run businesses. If they are allowed to thrive, family farms can provide huge economic and social benefits for their community. I am thrilled that Team NFU is doing its part to support that.”
Farm Africa CEO Dan Collison said: “Thank you so much to the NFU team for taking on the TCS London Marathon for Farm Africa this year.
“Farmers all over the world face many of the same challenges and it’s fantastic to see the UK farming community uniting to support farmers in other regions. The funds raised will enable Farm Africa to equip farmers in eastern Africa with the knowledge and tools they need to build sustainable farming businesses, overcome poverty and build resilience to climate change.”
Farm Africa is a leading international development charity which partners with government and the private sector to help effectively reduce poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
Over half of the world’s extreme poor live in sub-Saharan Africa, of which the majority work in agriculture. Farm Africa works closely with local communities to help develop businesses and protect the environment in rural areas. They aim to help develop a resilient rural Africa where both the people and the environment can thrive.
Follow updates about Team NFU’s progress in the London Marathon, along with everyone else running to support Farm Africa, by following the hashtag #TeamFarmAfrica.
