Farming Help charities seek views of UK farmers

The Farming Help charities have launched a survey to gather feedback from UK farmers to ensure their support services address the evolving challenges of the agricultural community.

The survey focuses on key issues such as succession planning, mental health and wellbeing, labour shortages, and financial sustainability, which are causing stress and concern for many in the sector.

It then asks what kind of support farmers feel they need.

Farming Help is a partnership between Addington Fund covering England and Wales, and The Farming Community Network (FCN) which operates across the UK.

See also: New FCN/Nuffield Farming scholarship targets mental health

The initiative was created to foster better collaboration among national farming charities and to offer greater support to those in the agricultural community.

As part of their efforts to align their services with the current needs of farmers, the charities are reaching out directly to individuals in the sector.

Dr Jude McCann, chief executive officer of FCN, explained the importance of this approach.

He said: “Against a backdrop of market volatility, political uncertainty, and a rapidly changing climate, the support provided by FCN and Addington Fund is arguably needed now more than ever before.

“With so much change affecting our sector, it is important we listen and learn directly from our farming community, and do what we can to accommodate farmers’ individual needs.”

Sue English, fund director of Addington Fund, also emphasised the significance of hearing directly from farmers.

She said: “We receive calls daily from farmers and those living and working in rural areas who need help.

“As we near our 25th anniversary, we want to be certain that we are meeting the current needs of this community fully.”

The survey takes around five minutes to complete, and participants will be entered into a draw for a £50 M&S gift card.

The charities are urging farmers to make their voices heard to help shape future support.

The survey is available here (deadline 30 April 2025): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZJKGVK7