Africa 100 appeal
.gif)
On the occasion of the NFU's centenary, and as we see the impact that rising food prices are having in the developing world, the NFU and its industry partners have teamed up with the charity FARM-Africa to launch the "Africa 100 Appeal". The aim of the appeal is to raise money for agricultural development projects in East Africa working to improve productivity and thus supply more food to local communities. FARM-Africa has an excellent track record in raising funds and running projects that significantly increase local on-farm production. Development projects like these are a reminder of the improved technology and resources that have enabled British farmers to increase production - advantages that are denied farmers in the developing world.
"Africa 100" will not be about providing food aid but rather providing targeted funds to help African farmers improve their productivity and thus supply more food to local populations.
While the UK farming industry continues to ride the ups and downs of world markets and variable weather, most farmers recognise that times of increased food prices could cause real problems for the world's poor. This is an opportune moment for our farmers to help boost agriculture in the developing world, so it might better feed their populations.
The central message behind the campaign is that this is British agriculture as a whole wanting to help improve agriculture in the developing world. British farmers know how agricultural improvement has helped transform productivity over the last generation, and want to find a means for fellow farmers in Africa to take advantage of some of the same benefits.
Together we can help farming make a positive difference in Africa, this time for the long-term.
