For more than a century, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has played a leading role in the development of agriculture and the rural Welsh economy. Today, that development includes the support of organisations such as RABI – farming’s oldest and largest welfare charity.

Over many years, RWAS has donated an impressive £22,750 towards RABI’s work in Wales. This year, RWAS increased its annual donation to RABI from £1,000 to £1,500 in recognition of the ever-increasing demands on the charity.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) gives out grants of around £2 million each year to farming people in financial need in Wales and England. The charity relies heavily on public donations and money raised at events by volunteers, businesses, community groups and fundraising staff, as well as legacies and investment income.

The RABI stand on the Royal Welsh Showground serves as a base for the charity’s activities during the society’s three events and RABI’s staff, along with the charity’s volunteers, welcome the opportunity to meet long-standing supporters, as well as new supporters. As support is offered in confidence to farming people, it is always heartening for staff and volunteers to meet some of the charity’s beneficiaries who call in to convey their thanks for supporting them through tough times.

Linda Jones, RABI regional manager for Wales, said: “The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society does an outstanding job of promoting agriculture in Wales and we’re proud of the strong links we’ve forged with them over many years. Society events such as the Spring Festival, Summer Show and Winter Fair are always popular and a great way of bringing organisations from the business, educational, rural and charitable sectors together.

Malcolm Thomas, RABI national chair, added: “The money we receive from RWAS is greatly appreciated, but so is the support and goodwill representatives of the organisation have given us over the best part of two decades. We are grateful to the Society and the showground staff for the friendship that exists between us.”