RABI was founded in Victorian times by farmers who were concerned about the level of poverty that existed in the farming community. In 2010 we will celebrate our 150th anniversary <p> Times may have changed but there is still hardship, especially for elderly or disabled people and families who struggle to make a living from the farm. Each year, RABI makes payments totalling around £2million to help people facing financial difficulties. <p> RABI supports elderly farmers and farm workers, and those of any age who are disabled, with regular grants or one-off payments for special items that they are unable to afford themselves. Around £250,000 each year is paid out for disability aids and essential household appliances. <p> Working farming families who are facing hardship because of illness, bereavement or some other crisis can receive short-term help. Just imagine you’re a dairy farmer, with cows to milk two or three times a day, but your young child is seriously ill in hospital. Paying for help on the farm and even the cost of travel can soon mount up and cause financial difficulties. That is when RABI can step in. <p> When there is a crisis such as major flooding or outbreaks of animal disease, RABI makes emergency payments (over £900,000 in 2007 when there was an outbreak of foot and mouth) to help with domestic expenses.