FCN is a UK network of groups of volunteers drawn from the farming community and rural churches. FCN volunteers are there to ‘walk with’ and support farming people and families as they seek to resolve their problems, whatever they may be.
Background to FCN
FCN began its work in 1995 as a partnership between the Arthur Rank Centre and the Agricultural Christian Fellowship , as a Christian response to the high suicide level among farmers. FCN was closely modelled on the work of the Farm Family Supporting Service in Württemberg, Southern Germany and the Gloucestershire Farming Friends. Urgency was added by ‘Prairie Fire’ in the United States who advised “Build the organisation before it (major crisis) happens.” These were wise and prophetic words, and FCN was able to support many in the farming community through the East Anglian Swine Fever outbreak in 2000 and the Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic in 2001. FCN supported over 7,000 households during that time, providing encouragement, advocacy and help with finding financial assistance.
FCN today
In recent years there has been a period of very low farm incomes, and the additional strain of severe flooding and outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease, Bluetongue and Avian Influenza. As a result, there are many situations of severe hardship and anxiety across the UK. Some farming families are struggling financially, some suffering from strained relationships and poor health and unable to cope with ever-increasing rules and regulations. FCN continues to support over 1,000 families every year.
Currently FCN has just over 300 volunteers in groups across the UK, including a team of Coordinators who oversee the work of the groups. FCN has a small national office in Northamptonshire and a team of five national staff led by Charles Smith, Chief Executive. FCN is governed by a Board of Trustees. Our Patron is HRH The Prince of Wales and the Honorary President is Christopher Jones, the founder of the charity.
FCN is a Registered Charity and a Company limited by guarantee. The Objects of the Farm Crisis Network Charity, as defined in its Memorandum of Association, include the relief of need, hardship and distress, in particular by supporting people living and working in agricultural, horticultural and related communities through periods of anxiety, stress and related problems.
FCN’s ethos
FCN is a Christian organisation and as such, it has a Christian ethos behind everything it does. Click here to download FCN’s Ethos Statement. FCN’s services are available to everyone in need in the farming community, of any faith or none. Click here to read FCN’s Vision Statement.
FCN is a member of the Evangelical Alliance
