YOUNG FARMERS in Africa are set to benefit from the efforts of young farmers in Scotland thanks to a unique partnership between the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, Robert Wiseman Dairies and the international charity Mercy Ships.

The Spirit of Hope Campaign aims to raise vital funds for young farmers in Benin, West Africa, who are taking part in a Mercy Ships project which trains them in organic, reproducible farming methods designed to increase yields and provide them with the long-term ability to feed their families and earn a living.

Working in partnership with SAYFC and Robert Wiseman Dairies, Mercy Ships is inviting clubs from across Scotland to help more than 200 of their peers at the Food for Life Project in Benin.

After an intensive 12-week course, young farmers return to their villages to put into practice what they have learned, but to do this they need basic equipment – a hoe, a rake, some seeds, a pair of wellies, a watering can, a wheelbarrow and other tools. The total cost is approximately £75 per farmer.

Robert Wiseman Dairies is supporting the project and, if more than £15,000 is raised, will pay for three Young Farmers to visit the Food for Life project in Benin to experience first-hand what the project is all about.

Speaking at the launch, John Owen, a young farmer from Stirling, said: “The Scottish Young Farmers Clubs do a lot of charity work but this is a really unique project that is not just about raising money.

“What makes this special is that we know we are helping our fellow young farmers in Africa learn about sustainable farming, which helps them feed their families and make a living. We are determined to raise as much money as we can and, thanks to Wisemans, three of us will be able to visit the project and see for ourselves what difference we have made.”