The NFU, NFU Scotland, Ulster Farmers’ Union and NFU Cymru have collectively written a letter in support of Ukraine from ‘one farming nation to another’ sending solidarity to the farmers and the nation of Ukraine.
The letter sends ‘support to everyone in Ukraine and all Ukrainian farming families’ caught up in these ongoing conflict and offers any assistance that may be possible for them to give. We stand in solidarity with you at this horrifying moment in your history.
It adds: “Spring for all farmers should be a time to celebrate new life in our livestock and new growth in our crops. The atrocious and unprecedented challenges you now face on your farms and with your families this spring are unimaginable.”
The NFU is donating £25k to the humanitarian appeal launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee to support those affected by the conflict. NFU President Minette Batters said: “Like everyone watching in absolute horror as the people of Ukraine are bombed, homes are destroyed, and families are torn apart by a war we thought we’d never see again in Europe, we want to do everything we can to help, to show support and solidarity with those affected.
“I know many farmers want to do all they can to help. They have friends and co-workers in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian families here working on farms. This war is creating a humanitarian disaster, the impacts of which will be felt by us all.
“Those families fleeing, as well as those staying to fight to defend their country, will be facing unimaginable challenges, and I hope our donation to the DEC Appeal goes some way to showing our support at this truly terrible time.”
Other looking to donate can visit the Distster Emergency Committee website at www.DEC.org.uk. DEC members and their local partners are working in Ukraine as well as across the border in neighbouring Poland, Romania, Hungary, Moldova and Slovakia, to meet the immediate needs of people fleeing with food, water, health assistance, protection and trauma care.