Tributes paid to campaigning farmer

Farmer and campaigner Andrew Hemming died at the weekend. (s)

TRIBUTES have poured in for Hockley Heath farmer and campaigner Andrew Hemming who died suddenly at the weekend.

Mr Hemming was a tireless campaigner for fair trade for British food producers.

The 54-year-old was vice-chairman of Farmers for Action and chairman of Central Warwickshire NFU.

He died on Saturday (December 15) while attending a function on behalf of Farmers for Action with his wife Judith - it is thought he suffered a heart attack.

As well as his wife he also leaves behind three children.

A statement released by Farmers for Action said: "It is with great sadness we report that FFA vice chairman, Andrew Hemming, tragically passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 15.

"Andrew was attending a function on behalf of Farmers For Action with his wife Judith.

"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Judith, their children and family at this very sad time."

Friends and colleagues have expressed shock and sadness at his death with many people taking to Twitter and Facebook to post tributes.

Andrew was recognised nationally for his involvement in campaigns to get a fair price for dairy farmers and people who knew him intend to carry on his work.

George Dunn, chief executive of Tenant Farmers Association, said: "Andrew's death is both a tragic loss to his family and to our industry about which he cared so passionately.

"He had worked tirelessly since the summer in the campaign for a fairer deal for British dairy farmers, a fight I know he would have wanted us to maintain.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time."

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