Family farms
British farming is facing relentless uncertainty, but The Royal Countryside Fund offers family farms access to immediate, local and practical support and a path to a sustainable future.
Since 2010, we’ve supported British farmers, and their families, through a number of grants, programmes, and initiatives. In order to build on this work effectively, we are keen to demonstrate its impact and outcomes.
Our Farm Resilience Programme
Since 2016, the Farm Resilience Programme has supported nearly 1000 farming families to improve their business performance and make real changes on farm. In 2021, we commissioned ADAS to undertake an independent evaluation of the programme’s first four years, which found that the Farm Resilience Programme delivers significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for farmers.
Evaluation of the FRP
Through a series of surveys, interviews, and analysis ADAS’s evaluation found that the Farm Resilience Programme delivers significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for farmers.
Listen to Lizzie’s experience of the Farm Resilience Programme
This video was produced when we were The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
Farm Support Groups
Since 2010, the RCF has championed the work of Farm Support Groups; firstly, through our grants programmes, and since 2019 through our new Farm Support Group Initiative. These local networks are vital sources of support for their farming communities, acting as trusted sources of advice, and providing a friendly listening ear. Led by our Farm Support Coordinator, the Initiative helps these incredible organisations to better collaborate and share knowledge, best practice, and advice with each other.
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, we have also been able to create a National Directory of Farm and Rural Support Groups. Read it here.
invested in Farm Support Groups
grants awarded
Farm Support Groups in our network
meetings annually to share learning and advice
Tir Dewi
The Royal Countryside Fund awarded a grant to Tir Dewi, a farm support group in Wales, in April 2019.
Gareth, Director of Tir Dewi, explains: “The pressure facing farmers can be huge. Simply having someone to talk to can be a lifeline. In other instances, we send volunteers on-farm and gradually work on the problems, not for the farmers but with them. Without us, there are several farms that would have failed. The concerns of farmer mental health – farmer breakdown, hospitalisation and suicide – are grave. Working with The [Royal] Countryside Fund has made a significant difference; we simply wouldn’t be able to survive without them.”
YANA
YANA provides help for those involved in farming and other rural businesses affected by stress and depression.
Melinda Raker, YANA Patron said: “I am so grateful to The [Royal] Countryside Fund which has made a very significant contribution in just one year, allowing us to train almost 100 Mental Health First Aiders. Following the extremely positive responses from the feedback form, including the number of people the first a iders have supported, we are actively encouraging rural businesses to ensure they have at least one Mental Health First Aider in the workforce. This should surely be the norm.
“It has also been a joy to have the real support for our endeavours from The [Royal] Countryside Fund. The encouragement and guidance has been invaluable.”
National Directory of Farm and Rural Support Groups
The directory lists regional, national and membership organisations which can provide support, advice and guidance to farming and rural communities. It also signposts to support for farmers in crisis.
