Patrons

Michael Edward Palin CBE

Michael Edward Palin is an exceptional actor and writer. Educated at Oxford, he has received numerous awards and prizes, amongst which the following stand out: the Michael Balcon Award for outstanding contribution to cinema (1987); the BBC Personality of the Year Television and Radio Industries Cub Awards (1998); a Lifetime Achievement award from the British Comedy Association; and a BAFTA supporting actor award for his role in "A Fish Called Wanda." He also received a BAFTA Special Award in 2005.

He has published extensively, writing for both adults and children. Being involved in numerous charities, Michael has complemented FARM Africa for its "sensible, low-key, realistic approach to the problem of food shortages".

He lives with his wife, Helen Margaret, and has three children.

"FARM-Africa aims to create change that is sustainable rather than quick-fix solutions. I have nothing but praise for the work they do and the way they do it."

General Sir Peter de la Billière KCB CBE DSO MC MSc DL

Sir Peter de la Billière has had a long and distinguished army career.  It concluded when he commanded the British forces during the Gulf War and was subsequently appointed as a special advisor to the Ministry of Defence on Middle Eastern matters. Upon retiring from the army, he became Director of Robert Fleming Holdings, a post he held until 1999. He was a partner in a farm in Hereford and Chairman of Meadowland Meats Ltd. He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Hereford and Worcester. His most recent book, "Supreme Courage: Heroic Stories from 150 years of the Victoria Cross", was published in August 2004.

Sir Peter de la Billière lives with his wife Bridget and has three children and nine grandchildren.  He continues his interest in farming and he and his wife used to run 600 straw bedded fattening pigs. He joined the Board of FARM-Africa in 1992 and served as Chairman from 1998–2001. He and his wife continue to take a lively interest in the affairs of the charity.

"FARM-Africa's projects are innovative and effective - they help the poorest farmers to help themselves and the impact of FARM-Africa's work is long-term, permanent and expanding as the value of its work is widely appreciated."

Lord Plumb of Coleshill, DL FRAgS

Lord Plumb has pursued an ambitious career in the fields of politics and farming. He became chairman of the European Committee on agriculture in 1979 and was the first Briton to be elected president of the European Parliament in 1987. He is also the second longest serving president of the National Farmers' Union (1970-1979). His involvement with charity and voluntary organisations is considerable and he has taken up many prominent roles, amongst which are: Chairman of the British Agricultural Council (1975), President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (1977) and Vice-President of Sargent Cancer Care for Children. Lord Plumb has long been interested in the European Union’s relationship with developing countries and continues to work hard, believing in "helping developing countries to help themselves."

Lord Plumb is married, has three children and eight grandchildren.