11/05/07
David Handley has been presented with the Royal Association of British
Dairy Farmers’ Princess Royal Award by Her Royal Highness at
Buckingham Palace on Thursday 10 May 2007. The honour was made for
his outstanding services to the industry.
David Handley and his wife, Marilyn received the Princess Royal Award from Her Royal Highness
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Mr Handley farms in partnership with his wife, Marilyn, a 290 acre
unit carrying 100 pedigree Jerseys based at Monmouth, in south Wales.
So far, he has dedicated almost 10 years to campaigning for better
milk prices for dairy farmers and is synonymous throughout the UK
and beyond with Farmers For Action (FFA).
“We were driven to launch FFA in 2000,” he explains. “Our
dairy farming business, along with others’, was going through
a tough time in the late 1990’s because, unlike pricing policy
for some commodities, milk was and continues to be completely outwith
our control. We were determined not to be driven out of business
by processors and retailers who were taking a disproportionate amount
of profit margin.”
Since then, David has campaigned tirelessly for the industry, while
Marilyn has played a major role in the day to day management of the
farm back home, as well as progressing and consolidating the business.
David has developed strong working relationships with members of
both the processing and retail sectors, together with a robust dialogue
with RABDF, MPs, Government officials and European parliamentary
representatives. “Throughout, my sole underlying objective
has been to get a better deal for dairy farmers, and the campaign
continues. The fact I have committed support from my wife, Marilyn
makes it practically possible to work towards this common goal.”
RABDF chairman, Lyndon Edwards comments: “David Handley has
given outstanding service to the dairy industry. His persistent campaigning
has raised the plight of dairy farmers more than any other individual
to the general public. He is passionate, focused, and charismatic
and has played a significant role in negotiations between farmers,
processors and retailers. He is a worthy winner.”
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