Malcolm Thomas MBE has stepped down as chairman of farming charity RABI.

Malcolm, a farmer’s son from Carmarthen, has been a trustee of the charity since 2011 and chairman of the council since 2015.

Trustees serve for a four-year term but can stand for re-election for a second term. The role of chairman is a three-year appointment.

At the request of his fellow trustees, Malcolm agreed to extend his chairmanship to provide support to Alicia Chivers during her first year in post as chief executive following her appointment in October 2018.

Having spent his career in the agricultural sector, including working for the Welsh Office, NFU England and Wales and NFU Cymru, Malcolm was awarded an MBE in 2012 in recognition of his services to agriculture. He is a YFC life member.

He said: “I am hugely proud and privileged to have played a small part in helping to guide and develop RABI.

"Against a backdrop of exciting ongoing developments on issues like mental health provision and research, I am confident that the charity is well-placed to continue to grow and provide a leading role in supporting our sector in the undoubtedly challenging times that lie ahead.

"I have made some lifelong friendships and I shall look back on my involvement with RABI with great fondness and pride. I will continue to provide any help that I can.”

Paying tribute, Alicia Chivers said: “Malcolm’s dedication and commitment to RABI has been remarkable. He has devoted untold hours and travelled thousands of miles to represent and support the charity across the length and breadth of England and Wales.

“Malcolm has played a fundamental role in ensuring RABI is in the incredibly robust position from which we can build into the future and has played a pivotal role in shaping the foundations of our future strategy.”

Jeanette Dawson OBE has been elected new chair of the council of trustees.

She is in her second term as a trustee having joined the council in 2015.