of their team and believes the relay showed the true character of the grain and feed trade. “I can’t think of another industry where the supply chain gets together like this to work for the benefits of their customer/ supplier. People from many different businesses and all parts of those businesses have given their time to raise money for a good cause and send a positive message to the industry. “All the riders were willing volunteers and include mill staff, drivers,
sales staff, advisors, chief executives and business owners. They were well known to the farming community and were determined to help put something back into the industry. In addition to rider sponsorship, many companies planned fund raising events. “I was also struck by the camaraderie between companies. We
all work in the same industry and are competitors on a daily basis, but in the end we are all here to help farmers and it was great to see everyone pulling together. For example, on our leg we were joined by riders from Mole Valley Farmers and for the final part of the relay riders from 12 different companies were involved.” The relay was reported extensively in the national and regional
press and was supported by an active Twitter campaign, ensuring that the profile of FCN was raised. The publicity also helped direct traffic to the JustGiving page. The total raised is already over £50,000 and this will rise significantly as pledged donations are received. The JustGiving page will remain open until November. Welcoming the riders to Stoneleigh, NFU President Minette Batters
said: “This relay has been a fantastic achievement, successfully raising the profile of FCN as well as generating a significant sum to help fund FCN’s essential work. “At a time when farming is facing considerable pressure and
uncertainty, the supply trade has shown enormous commitment with riders from over 90 companies visiting 170 sites around the UK and travelling a mileage equivalent to cycling from London to Kabul or completing one and three quarter Tours de France! “As an industry, farmers can be justifiably proud and grateful for
the on-going support and commitment of the Grain and Feed Trade, something that will be ever more important in the weeks and years to come.”
Charles Smith, Chief Executive of FCN, rode the last leg of the
relay and comments: “We are so grateful to everyone who has been involved with the GAFT bike ride and dedicated their time and energy to supporting the farming community. It’s been amazing to see so many people come together and take part in this incredible challenge over the past six weeks. “The money raised will go a long way towards helping us to provide
practical and pastoral support to those farmers and farming families who are in desperate need. But perhaps the even greater benefit has been the amazing amount of publicity generated which will surely have raised awareness of FCN’s availability to help those in need. “The way in which the grain and feed trade has galvanised its
support behind FCN is truly wonderful, something which, I am sure, will benefit the industry for years to come. I would like to thank each and every participant who has helped make this happen.”
Above: The AB Agri ‘Bicycle Made for Six’!
Above: The start outside the Houses of Parliament on 20 June (l to r) David McBrearty (Cargill), Charlie Brindley (Gemcom), DEFRA Minister George Eustice, Cliff Eaton (Cargill), Charles Delf (ForFarmers)
Above: The finish at NFU Headquarters, Stoneleigh on 31 June. Charles Smith and Minette Batters thank Charles Delf, Richard Cooksley and David Stanford of the organising committee
There’s Still Time To Donate To donate to the fund and support FCN in the invaluable work it does for the industry, go to:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/GAFT
FEED COMPOUNDER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 55
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