RABI – farming’s oldest and largest welfare charity – has received a boost to its funds from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

For more than a century, RWAS has played a leading role in the development of agriculture and the rural Welsh economy and has over many years donated an impressive £22,750 towards RABI’s work in Wales. This year, RWAS increased their 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 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.

Its stand on the Royal Welsh Showground serves as a base for the charity’s activities during the society’s three events and RABI 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."