The letter, signed by all 13 of Devon’s NFU chairmen, acknowledges that farms ‘require the support and service of a strong network of dedicated people and companies’ and expresses their gratitude for the commitment shown by businesses large and small, including vets, auctioneers, machinery dealers, farm suppliers, delivery companies and processors.
The gesture has had a positive response from businesses, with many writing back to thank farmers for their support in turn.
It reads in part: ‘It has been an exceedingly challenging time for all parts of society and for many it continues to be.
‘We therefore wish to express our gratitude for the commitment made by all who have served and continue to work alongside our members...
‘Within the agricultural sector the concern was not just for the health of our farming members, their employees and families, but the need to keep businesses going so the nation would have access to safe, traceable and highly nutritious food.
‘Putting it simply and as you are very aware, you simply can’t switch off a farm and then come back to it a few months later. There are always animals to feed, cows to milk, eggs to grade and crops to tend.
‘A farm requires the support and service of a strong network of dedicated people and companies to ensure this happens.
‘Please do pass our thanks around to your colleagues.’