The Worshipful Company of Farmers
The Formation
During the 1939 – 1945 world war, the whole of agriculture and its ancillary trades raised funds for the war effort.
So successful was the Agriculture Fund that by the time it closed in 1946 a total of £8.5m had been raised and a permanent memorial of nine red oak trees had been planted, forming a cross.
From as early as 1940, members of the Committee of the Agricultural Fund were planning to perpetuate the Funds good intentions in peacetime and the proposal to form a livery company was made.
From 1946 ordinances were drafted and a petition made to the Corporation of London requesting recognition as a City Livery Company. In June 1952 the Company’s Grant of Livery was approved and in July 1955 a Grant of Charter of Incorporation was formally made by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Farmers Company Structure
The company’s internal constitution follows the form of the older more established livery companies. It is governed by a court consisting of Master, a Senior and Junior Warden elected from the Court and between twenty and twenty-four Assistants elected from the Livery and administrated by the Clerk. The Farmers Company has the right to elect both Honorary Liverymen and Honorary Freeman. The Former is usually in special circumstances whilst the latter often recognises services to the company, both are sparingly granted.
The Main Aims and Objectives Of The Farmers Company
- Stimulating the development of agricultural education
- Providing financial assistance for overseas visits by agricultural students
- The provision of a common meeting ground for farmers and allied professionals
- The promotion of a better understanding of the importance of farming in the economic life of the nation and the close association of farming with the City of London.
Activities To Meet The Aims Of The Company
- The advanced course in Agricultural Business Management
- The Challenge of Rural Leadership
- National Federation of Young Farmers Club
- Surrey Docks Farm
Recognition Of Achievement in Education
- Worshipful Company of Farmers Award
- Agricultural College Prizes
- The Farmers Prize for Attitude and Endeavour
- Support is also given to many agricultural charitable appeals
Overseas Travel Awards
- The Henman Awards
- The Britain – Australia Bicentennial Trust Farmers Award
- The Attfield Brooks Apprenticeship Fund
In conclusion with British agriculture on the verge of a new era the Worshipful Company of Farmers will continue to be innovative, move with the times and rise to meet the challenges this will bring.
Part of the Cornwall College Group
