The Unsung Heroes of a Crisis
2 days ago we marked the 72nd anniversary of Britains beloved institution that is the National Health Service. A institution that is as cherished by the British Public as most religions. However whilst the NHS has truly shown what a force it can be whilst dealing with the global pandemic on our own shores my intention no shifts to our unsung heroes.
The providers of the food on our tables and the stocks on our shelves. The farmers who worked tirelessly night and day to ensure that we do not go hungry. My thoughts often take me back to my own background in farming ensuring that the livestock under my care got the utmost attention and care to allow them to thrive. The farming sector can often be a thankless profession everyone needs the products of your labours but you very often do not see the appreciation from the consumer as they often cannot understand the effort which goes into supplying their sustenance. What we must think of is how do we show our appreciation for the farmers who so often work tirelessly in areas often far removed from our working surroundings.
The farmers have coped with shortage of staff which has in part being supported by furloughed workers taking to the fields and factories to ensure a steady flow of goods to our stores. What has not gone unnoticed is that many struggled to get a hold of basic essentials during the crisis. Whilst we can look at how to reinvest in the sector to ensure that we can supply a greater amount of food to our population as we did thirty years ago.
This article however, is not one of suggestions for the future or ways to innovate but how we can show our respect and support for the farmers. How can you show your support we do not need to applaud them although they are equally deserving instead show our support in our action. Go out of your comfort zone and get to know the supporters of your communities, explore the farmers market and support your local farmers. See what schemes the farms in the areas are running see if you can buy your produce directly from them, be patient during harvest when they are tirelessly working long hours in all weathers. Show small gestures thanking them when you meet and showing them your kindness. This takes me on to my next article about supporting their mental health as we are all in this together.
