Farming leaders are donning their running vests to raise funds for Farm Africa, a charity that aims to reduce poverty via agricultural projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
The NFU and Farm Africa have united to form Team NFU, and will be running in this year’s London Marathon. NFU president Minette Batters will be joined by vice president David Exwood, NFU North East regional director Adam Bedford, Defra lead spatial analyst David Fouracre, and farmer Frederic Exwood.
Batters explained: “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 chief executive 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.”
