Saputo Dairy UK and The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) celebrated an incredible milestone in their partnership on reaching over £1-million of funding from Saputo Dairy UK to the PCF to support farming and rural communities in South West England.

Analysis of the PCF’s charitable activity has shown that over £118m in social value has been generated for those who live and work in rural communities, with the funds from Saputo Dairy UK directly benefiting over 5,700 in rural communities through the PCF’s rural grant programmes. It is estimated that for every £1 invested by Saputo Dairy UK, the positive value that was created for the local rural community and economy has been quantified at £78.66.

The celebratory event at the Royal Cornwall Show recognised a landmark in the partnership, and highlighted the PCF’s continuing work supporting family farms and rural communities and achieving its charitable purpose across South West England. Saputo Dairy UK has been a corporate partner of the PCF for over a decade, and proudly display the PCF logo on their Davidstow Cheddar and Country Life butter products.

Tom Atherton, President and Chief Operating Officer at Saputo Dairy UK said: “The Prince’s Countryside Fund do such important work supporting and championing British farming. It’s been wonderful to hear first-hand about the vital work they do and the difference they make to family farm businesses. We are incredibly proud to be celebrating this milestone together.”

Addressing the farming community that came together to mark the occasion at The Royal Cornwall Show, Rob Collins, Vice-Chair of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “It’s great to be here with people who are so passionate about farming. We are immensely grateful to Tom and his team for supporting us over the past decade. Over a million pounds raised is phenomenal.

“I have a very deep-rooted belief that businesses that are good, do good and Saputo are a shining example of that – it is what makes our planet a more sustainable place for generations to come and we look forward to building on the progress we have made together.”

To thank everyone at Saputo Dairy UK for their continuing support for the PCF, Tom Atherton, President and Chief Operating Officer at Saputo Dairy UK, was presented with a specially embroidered artwork, celebrating the success of the longstanding partnership. The design represents the fabric of rural life being strengthened by the fabric of the partnership’s support for the rural communities in the region.

The event included a discussion with local dairy farmer, Saputo Dairy UK supplier, and Farm Resilience Programme participant Steve Poad. The Farm Resilience Programme (FRP) offers free business skills training to family farmers across the UK. The programme has helped over 1,400 UK farmers get to grips with their business; for every £1 invested in the programme, participating farmers see £3 return.

On the support he received from the PCF, Steve commented “We are a family farm in Cornwall. We had a few factors combined, which got us into trouble as a business. We worked with Farm Cornwall who provided support, they encouraged us to seek further support and through The Farm Resilience programme we have managed to move forward and grow as a business– it has supported the whole family. I would recommend the programme to everyone.”

Inspired by its royal founder, the PCF acts as a catalyst, enabling change and developing resilience through a unique network of corporate partners, grants, community-led projects and practical guidance.