National farming organisation Farmcare took first place in an annual cricket tournament they staged in Cambridge last weekend in aid of Farm Africa, the charity fighting hunger in eastern Africa.
Farmcare brought together the National Farmers Union (NFU) and two other heavy hitters from the farming world, crop protection services supplier Agrovista and agricultural engineering equipment manufacturer CLAAS UK, for the tournament that aimed to hit hunger in Africa for six.
Despite early rains, the teams played through and managed to raise over £6,000 for Farm Africa through an impressive auction of a range of stunning prizes including a hot air balloon ride with Champagne, an electric golf buggy and a child’s ride-on CLAAS pedal tractor, and also a raffle. The funds raised will help to end hunger for 18 families in eastern Africa.
The tournament, which took place in the beautiful surroundings of Trinity College’s cricket ground on Grange Road on Sunday 28 June, is the latest example of how the British farming community is constantly going the extra mile to support smallholder African farmers.
Richard Quinn, Chief Executive of Farmcare explained why he was so keen to host the tournament:
“Farmcare is delighted to be supporting Farm Africa in 2015 through our annual cricket tournament. Working closely with Agrovista, CLAAS UK and the NFU we have raised over £6,000 for the organisation which will help farmers in eastern Africa to grow themselves out of poverty and hunger.
“As the UK’s leading farmer, we farm over 50,000 acres of land across England and Scotland. Many of the products we grow, such as cereals, fruits and vegetables, are similar to those which are grown by communities involved with Farm Africa. As an organisation, we recognise the importance of supply chains and are keen to help our counterparts in Africa to grow produce of a high standard with bountiful yields which can fetch a high price at market.
“The annual tournament is an opportunity for us to utilise our networks within the farming industry to generate significant funds and awareness for Farm Africa.”
Reflecting on a hugely enjoyable and successful day, Farm Africa’s Events Fundraiser, Sarah Wren, said: “While Farmcare took home the coveted trophy, everyone in this tournament was a winner for doing so much to support fellow farmers in Africa.
"We are bowled over by the kind support of everyone involved, and would especially like to extend huge thanks to Farmcare for putting on the tournament, to Agrovista and CLAAS UK who helped secure so many of the fabulous raffle prizes and to everyone who played or supported the tournament. Here’s to next year!”
