The art of Why Farming Matters arrives at the Fourth Plinth

A chance in a million - or a chance to be one of just 2,400 to be more accurate. This is the opportunity being offered to one farmer when he takes his place on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.

The idea of sculptor Antony Gormley, the One and Other project was launched with Sky Arts in July. It is asking people to spend an hour on the plinth, 24 hours a day, over the course of 100 days and on Tuesday October 13 farmer John Charles-Jones will become the 2,370th person to step up.

John farms 700 acres with his wife Cathy at Woodborough, near Nottingham, producing wheat, barley and oilseed rape. From his eight metre-high vantage point he will be making the most of the opportunity to remind people about why farming matters.

"Most people walking past the plinth during my hour between 8am and 9am will have enjoyed cereals, milk and sugar for breakfast," said Mr Charles-Jones, who wants to stress the link between farming and the consumer.

"From early morning every day, livestock farmers, arable farmers and growers work hard the length of the country - often regardless of the weather - to produce the food we not only need and enjoy, but probably all usually take for granted. That is why I want to be on the plinth to remind anyone who is prepared to listen precisely why farming matters."

The NFU will be on hand to support John with giveaways around the plinth, including a recipe booklet from Red Tractor – using produce that has been grown and reared under Farm Assurance standards.