South Essex farmers have hit the campaign trail - aided by Annabelle the cow.

They are determined to put the case for a fair deal for farmers to the local public.

Milk it - Robert Bache with Annabelle Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Members of the Rochford branch of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) are seeking to introduce "the ordinary man and woman on the street" to the world of farming.

They hope that with greater grassroots understanding, pressure for change will reach a higher level.

The campaign kicked off with an exhibition staged courtesy of Tesco supermarket, in Prince Avenue, Southend. It featured live chicks, as well as model cow Annabelle.

Robert Bache, chairman of Rochford NFU, grows wheat and peas on his farm in Wallasea.

He said: "We want to show how the things people buy off the supermarket shelf all have their origins in farming."

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

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