We are a small, volunteer-run charity that helps farmers in Devon through financial hardship, and supports the agricultural education and research that keeps the county's farming on its feet.
If you are a Devon farmer facing unexpected financial hardship — through a TB breakdown, a flood, a bereavement, a health crisis or a bad season — our trustees can consider a one-off grant to help you through.
Devon is one of England's great farming counties — dairy herds on the red soils of the mid-county, sheep on Dartmoor and Exmoor, mixed livestock on the Blackdowns, cider orchards, market gardens and small family holdings in the combes and valleys. That landscape was built and is still kept by farming families, many of whom work through long hours, narrow margins and the kind of weather that can undo a year in a weekend.
We are a small, volunteer-led charity that exists to stand with those families when the hard times come, and to support the education and research that helps Devon farming adapt and thrive. Every penny we raise is distributed either as confidential hardship grants or as grants supporting agricultural education and research in Devon.
Confidential, one-off grants for Devon farmers going through financial crisis — no jargon, no stigma.
Grants to support the education of the public in agriculture across Devon — schools, colleges and community groups.
Funding research into the practical questions facing Devon farming — soils, livestock, water, resilience.
We believe in support without fanfare — farming is proud work, and our grants are given with respect, not publicity.
One-off grants for Devon farmers facing unexpected financial crisis — TB herd breakdowns, weather losses, sudden illness, bereavement or a bad year compounded.
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Grants to schools, colleges, young farmers' clubs and community groups that widen public understanding of Devon farming — from primary-school farm visits to vocational bursaries.
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Support for research into the practical questions facing Devon farming — soil health, livestock welfare, water, resilience to bad weather — and the dissemination of what's learned.
Learn moreWe don't have offices full of staff, glossy campaigns or national advertising. We have trustees who know Devon farming, a network of referrers who know families going through hard times, and an unshakeable belief that quiet support — given quickly — matters more than loud fundraising.
Quotes are drawn from farmers, referrers and education partners we have worked with. Names are withheld or altered to protect confidentiality, at the person's request.
The grant paid our electric bill the winter the milk price fell through the floor. It wasn't charity — it was a neighbour reaching over a hedge. That's how it felt.
The bursary meant I could finish the season at a working farm without dropping out of college. I wouldn't be in the industry today without it.
We have no paid staff and no marketing budget. When you support the fund, your gift goes straight into hardship grants, education bursaries and research funding that stays in Devon. UK taxpayers can add 25% at no cost through Gift Aid.
We are a small volunteer-run charity. Replies usually within 3 working days.