by Matthew Holmes, Features Editor, Milling and Grain
The UK’s Grain and Feed Merchants have pulled together to raise a significant amount for the Farming Community Network (FCN), by cycling in a relay around the principal feed mills, ports, grain stores and supply trade businesses sites in the UK.
A casual discussion after a meeting of the Bristol Grain and Feed Trade Association snowballed into a major fund-raising effort, eventually involving 617 riders from over 90 businesses visiting over 170 feed, grain and port sites and cycling a staggering 3720 miles – without a single accident or injury.
The UK’s Grain and Feed Merchants have pulled together to raise a significant amount for the Farming Community Network (FCN), by cycling in a relay around the principal feed mills, ports, grain stores and supply trade businesses sites in the UK.
A casual discussion after a meeting of the Bristol Grain and Feed Trade Association snowballed into a major fund-raising effort, eventually involving 617 riders from over 90 businesses visiting over 170 feed, grain and port sites and cycling a staggering 3720 miles – without a single accident or injury.
“The supply trade is part of the chain we all refer to as ‘Agriculture’ and only exists because of the farming industry,” explains Richard Cooksley, one of the organisers. “With the considerable economic and political pressures that many farming businesses are increasingly finding themselves under, the discussion between a group of us at the Bristol dinner turned to whether we could do something significant and tangible to support the farming industry, and those who end up with serious problems. The outcome was the cycle relay. But we had no idea just how large it would grow or what a significant undertaking it would be.”
Working together with GAFTA
The Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA) worked with the UK Grain and Feed Trade Associations, which are an integral part of UK farming community, to show their support for the UK’s farmers.
“The aim of the relay was to help raise awareness of the issues facing farmers, while at the same time collecting funds to provide on-going support for all members of the farming community and their families and to have a bit of fun,” Mr Cooksley continues.
All monies raised are being donated to FCN, SRABI and Rural support NI, charities that support the farming community through times of stress, anxiety and depression which can affect both farm households and farm businesses. At FCN, a team of 400 volunteers, many of whom are involved in farming, work with farmers and support them as they seek to resolve their difficulties. Over 6000 people per year benefit from FCN’s support.
About the Farming Community Network (FCN)
Since it was established in 1995, FCN has helped thousands of people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes. They are anticipating a spike of enquiries in the light of the current drought.
“As a charity, FCN relies solely on donations in order to continue its much-needed support of the farming community,” Richard continues. “Currently it costs approximately £1,500 a day to run FCN, but this is expected to rise in the coming years as British farming faces deep uncertainty about its future. So, if we achieve our target it will make a huge contribution to FCN’s operations and send a powerful message about the unique bond between farmers and the supply trade.”
The relay was an ambitious project but received phenomenal support from across the industry. The route needed constant revision as more companies put their hands up to participate as the start date approached.
Read the full article in the Milling and Grain magazine online, HERE.
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