Ford Transit is the choice for farmers

Ford Transit is the chosen delivery vehicle for a Peak District farmers' cooperative endorsed by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Ford Transit, the International Van of the Year 2007, has been selected by the farmers' co-operative called "Peak Choice", which is backed by Business in the Community's Rural Action programme. The cooperative have taken delivery of a Ford Transit 260 SWB van with refrigeration conversion in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Initiated by BITC Rural Action, Peak Choice is a co-operative of local hill farmers who sell premium beef and lamb through a box scheme that is suited to home delivery or for selling from the branded Transit van. The branding incorporates a watercolour by HRH the Prince of Wales.

The web-based business (www.peakchoice.co.uk) sells direct to consumers and it has received a further boost from HRH The Prince of Wales. He has funded the purchase of the refrigerated Ford Transit van for deliveries and for ‘back-of-the-van’ sales.

Chris Larson, National Rural Director of BITC said: “The Ford Transit provides exactly the right image for this premium quality meat business and it also provides a great advertising platform on the road.”

If the Peak Choice scheme is successful there are plans for similar initiatives in Northumberland, Dartmoor, North Yorkshire and in a southern National Park.

Kevin Griffin, Ford Fleet Director, said: “We are delighted to have played a part in this important local business initiative. The Ford Transit has once again proved to be the best van for the job.”