The Farming Community Network (FCN) has announced that Baroness Minette Batters has been appointed honorary president, carrying on the legacy of founder Christopher Jones MBE, who passed away in 2023.
Baroness Batters said: “It is a great honour to take up the role of Honorary President of The Farming Community Network, a UK-wide charity that has provided vital support to our industry through its team of dedicated volunteers and staff for the past 30 years.
“Our industry faces many complex challenges and farming charities such as FCN play a vital role in supporting our farming community through the changes ahead. I look forward to supporting FCN in its mission to help those in need before they reach a point of crisis and supporting farmers’ health, wellbeing and resilience.”
Minette served as an NFU officeholder for ten years, working as deputy president and president until she stepped down in 2024. She was appointed deputy lieutenant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 and was appointed a Cross-Bench Peer (Baroness Batters of Downton) in July 2024.
Dr Jude McCann, chief executive officer of The Farming Community Network, said: “We are extremely appreciative of Minette’s long-standing support and advocacy for the work of FCN over the years.
“As the charity continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our farming community as we navigate this significant period of change, we are confident that Minette’s expertise, experience and reputation within the agricultural sector will help us in our mission to see farmers thrive, both now and in the future.”
Mark Suthern, chair of FCN’s Board of Trustees, said: “On behalf of The Farming Community Network’s Board of Trustees, we are delighted that Minette has assumed the role of Honorary President of FCN. Minette has always been a fantastic advocate for both UK farming and the work of our charity ‘walking with’ and championing our vital farming community. We look forward to working with her.”