Prince’s fund shares £670,000 with farm charities

Farm charities are among the beneficiaries who have received £670,000 in grant support this month from the Prince’s Countryside Fund

Established by the Prince of Wales in 2010, the fund aims to improve the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life.

The fund has announced it will be supporting 19 projects across the UK through its grants programme, which has awarded more than £8m since it was founded.

See also: Resilient farmers benefit society, says Prince Charles

Farming-related beneficiaries include the Pasture Fed Livestock Association (£40,500), the Farming Life Centre (£13,147) and the Farming Community Network (£27,475)/

Recipients in Lancashire include Myerscough College (£30,600). Meanwhile, in neighbouring Yorkshire, the Farm Network received £49,520.

In south-west England, the Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society was given £24,000 and the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project got £44,000.

Scotland

In Scotland, the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SOAS) received £50,000.

Fund chairman and Northumberland farmer Lord Curry of Kirkharle said it was vital to support fragile rural and farming communities.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to support such a wide range of innovative projects that will provide a lasting legacy in so many rural areas.”

The next five years would be critical for rural communities, said Lord Curry.

“Against a background of growing uncertainty, our grant programme provides essential support to people living and working in the countryside.

“Rural communities need to be prioritised. It is easy to forget just how much we depend on rural businesses and family farms.”