Farm Crisis Network’s new Chairman, George Dunn, who takes over the reins in the New Year from current chairman Peter Carruthers, believes the work of FCN and the other charities operating under the "Farming Help" banner will be more important than ever in the year ahead.
"All sectors of the economy and society are going to face tough times for the foreseeable future and farmers and farm families are no exception. Whilst there is no particular crisis within the farming industry at this time there are some chronic issues which continue to undermine many farm businesses and cause enormous stress to farm families up and down the country," said Mr Dunn.
"A recent report from the Commission from Rural Communities has identified that one in four within the farming community is living in poverty. Animal diseases, and most notably bovine TB, continue to threaten the livelihood of many livestock farmers particularly in Wales, the South West and Western counties. Problems with the Rural Payments Agency which cause delays to vitally needed cash beset numerous farm businesses. Add to these the uncertainty of commodity markets, volatility in input prices, poor returns to milk producers and the increasing burden of regulation on farmers who are trying to juggle being practical farmers with running their businesses as labour becomes more scarce on farms, it is easy to see why stress levels can be high", said Mr Dunn.
"Of course there are also many exceptions where producers are experiencing good returns, confidence is high and strong growth is planned for the future. There is also a growing interest from young people looking to agriculture for their future careers", said Mr Dunn.
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"It is vitally important that we recognize both ends of the spectrum. Those making good returns and who are investing in the future need to be supported and given the right environment to grow their businesses. However, those who are facing difficulties often fall through the available support networks that exist due to lack of funding or because of the hidden nature of the problems often associated with an industry characterised by solitary and lone working. This is where organisations like FCN, RABI and ARC Addington come into their own"
"However, the work of organisations like FCN can only continue through the generosity of those willing to donate both time and money. FCN has many dedicated and loyal volunteers who are in regular contact with some of the most needy in our industry. However, finding sufficient finance for FCN to continue its work is becoming increasingly difficult. Funding from Statutory Sources or from Charitable Trusts is particularly difficult. In 2011 we will have to rely increasingly upon the generosity of churches and individuals to support our work and we would encourage anyone who believes in importance of what we are doing to help us with either a one off or a regular gift to ensure the sustainability of the assistance we provide to some of the most vulnerable people in agriculture" said Mr Dunn.