Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010, The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) is the only UK-wide charity that empowers family farms and rural communities to ensure their future.
This summer, Essex potato grower and crisp producer, Fairfields Farm, is working with The Prince’s Countryside Fund as part of its ‘Thank You Farmers’ initiative throughout August to pay a debt of thanks and gratitude to the country’s hard-working farmers following such a difficult year.
To support their work, Fairfields Farm has pledged a proportion of online sales for the month.
“As farmers ourselves, we completely understand the problems the rural economy has faced over the last year and I think it’s easy to forget that it’s the sector that has kept food on shelves throughout this pandemic. We had to change our business overnight, and it was really scary and hard work – but we got through it. Working with The Prince’s Countryside Fund gives us the chance to thank our fellow farmers for their hard work,” says Laura Strathern, co-founder of Fairfields Farm.
The ‘Thank You Farmers’ initiative also coincides with National Countryside Week, running from 9th to 15th August, during which PCF will officially launch its new Friends of the Countryside supporter scheme, with the aim of inspiring support, raising vital donations and increasing its visibility by raising awareness.
“The countryside, what it does, what it produces and what it offers, has an impact on us all. The Prince’s Countryside Fund wishes to see a thriving countryside – a living, breathing, working place that is there for everyone. Our work coalesces around three pillars: enabling family farms to thrive, building confident rural communities, and inspiring support.
“We achieve these aims through our programmes and initiatives, from providing free business skills and environmental management training to farming families, to investing in essential rural services,” explains Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
“The vital work of family farms and rural communities often goes unseen, however the PCF can ensure their voices are heard and they receive the local support they need to look after our countryside and to thrive.”
For Fairfields Farm, as a small, family-run and independent business, the values of the PCF really align with its own and throughout August it will be running an offer giving 5% discount on online purchases and a 5% donation to The Prince’s Countryside Fund through http://fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk. It will also promote the campaign with leaflets and social media activity.
“We are very pleased to be part of this year’s campaign and to help The Prince’s Countryside Fund raise vital money to help rural communities,” continues Laura. “As a business we place great emphasis on working with the countryside, its environment and other local farmers so this is a great fit for us. We look forward to supporting the campaign this summer as the rural economy gets back on its feet.”
