The Prince's Countryside Fund

The Prince of Wales has, for many years, done what he can to make a difference for the better in rural communities. Now, in a continuation of his work to support
Britain’s rural areas, The Prince of Wales has created The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
The Fund places improving the sustainability of British farming and rural communities; reconnecting consumers with countryside issues; and supporting farming crisis charities through a dedicated emergency funding system as its biggest priorities. The charity comes at a time when the farming industry desperately needs an economic boost. Research by the National Farmers’ Union found that in 2008 the average annual farmer’s income was £18,185 for a seven day working week, dropping to just £6,000 for those in upland areas. Beneficiaries of the charity will include The Farmer Network, which will use its grant to train eight people in hill farming skills, and Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service, which will give IT training to 24 farmers to help them manage their businesses more efficiently, as well as providing advice to 450 hill farming businesses.