Essex farm teams up with The Prince’s Countryside Fund to say – thank you, farmers

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. It aims 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.

Co-founder of Fairfields Farm, Laura Strathern, said: “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.” 

The ‘Thank You Farmers’ initiative also coincides with National Countryside Week, running this week, from 9th to 15th August, during which PCF will officially launch its new Friends of the Countryside supporter scheme, to inspire support, raising vital donations and increasing its visibility by raising awareness.

Executive director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, Keith Halstead explains: “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,” 

“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 align with its own. Throughout August, it will be running an offer giving a 5 per cent discount on online purchases and a 5 per cent donation to The Prince’s Countryside Fund through http://fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk. 

“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.”

To find out more, visit the Fund’s website at www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk