Ag industry leaders raise £200,000 for Farm Africa

A group of 12 food and farming professionals have completed a gruelling six-day hike covering 80km in the mountains of Tanzania in aid of Farm Africa.

The team was made up of senior leadership members from a range of organisations including the NFU, Pilgrims, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Moy Park, and Sofina Foods.

Collectively, more than £200,000 has been raised to date for the farming charity, which aims to reduce poverty in rural Africa.

See also: Farming Community Network FarmWell Award winner announced

The challenge took place in the Mahale Mountain range in Western Tanzania with temperatures reaching 35deg.

NFU director of trade and business strategy Nick von Westenholz was one of the individuals who took part in the expedition and has managed to raise over £12,000 for Farm Africa.

Mr von Westenholz said: “Our extraordinary journey, while at times challenging and tiring, has reinforced the importance of addressing the shared challenges we face in farming and producing food across the world.

“Farming in the UK and Tanzania have many obvious differences, but challenges such as climate change, volatile supply chains and food security are universal concerns and it is more crucial than ever that we stand together to drive positive change.”

Farm Africa head of partnerships Anissa Msallem said: “Farmers across eastern Africa continue to face unprecedented challenges. Conflict and climate change threaten to push farming communities further into poverty.

“Eastern Africa is experiencing the worst drought in at least 40 years, decimating lives and livelihoods. By raising funds for Farm Africa, Team Mahale will help transform the lives of farmers in eastern Africa and protect important natural habitats, and we’re very grateful for their support.”