Charities That Help Small Farming Communities
Many small farmers tend their crops and look after their animals well. But often have to either sell at a pittance to big supermarkets, or suffer from rising costs, high tenancy rents and/or natural disasters like floods, and end up living on the breadline, some even suicidal.
The good news is that there are wonderful small charities that can help:
Forage Aid (Free feed and bedding)
Forage Aid helps with free feed and bedding, if your farm has suffered due to weather or an ‘act of God’. Farmers who have had their farms flooded have received silage, hay and straw for animals, through donations to Addington Fund (below).
Addington Fund (emergency housing help)
Addington Fund helps with housing for farming families during tough times. If someone loses their farm or home due to finance or ill health, Addington steps in with emergency accommodation or relocation help.
Farming Community Network (general support)
The Farming Community Network offers support 365 days a year. Volunteers (many with farming backgrounds) listen, and guide those struggling with practical or emotional problems.
It also runs Farmwell, a site of useful information including grants and funding, animal welfare and staying connected.
RABI (financial support and counselling)
RABI delivers confidential financial support and counselling. They help farming families facing hardship – paying bills, offering grants and funding therapy sessions.
Prince’s Countryside Fund (grants for local farmers)
The Prince’s Countryside Fund invests in projects that keep rural communities strong. It awards grants to help upskill farmers, boost local markets, and support young people starting out in agriculture.
Hen Helpline (help with anything chicken!)
Hen Helpline is run by a charity that rescues chickens (and roosters) designed to be killed, after end of egg-laying life. The free helpline helps with anything chicken!
