Cesar Chavez, the famous civil rights activist, was also a farm worker (he was a co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association in America) and he once said; "if you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him ... the people who give you their food give you their heart".
Local cafe owner, Hillary Kieft has taken his words literally and is inviting farmers from around the district to join her at her 'home', The Well Cafe in Stratford, this Sunday night for a barbecue.
Hillary says she knows farmers are facing tough times; she and her husband are sharemilkers on a farm on Pembroke Road, and she wanted to do something to offer support.
Farmers can be staunch, too staunch. They don't talk much about their problems and I feel that right now, with all the bad news hitting our industry, they need the opportunity to meet with other farmers and farm workers, to enjoy a meal among friends, to remind them that they are not alone in this.
Hillary says she wants any farmer or farm worker to feel welcome to call in this Sunday evening.