About The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

RABI was established by farmers in 1860 to support other farmers in times of need. It is based in Oxford where it co-ordinates the activities of its Regional Welfare Officers (RWOs), Development Officers, regional committees and two residential homes.

Traditionally RABI's work has been the provision of financial support for retired and disabled farmers, farmworkers and members of their families, though RABI has also helped working farmers who have fallen on hard times.

The RABI welfare department helpline was introduced nearly three years ago and with the deepening crisis in agriculture, the number of helpline calls has steadily increased. It is currently, through necessity, being manned 24 hours a day.

RABI is operating an emergency fund to help those affected by the foot & mouth epidemic and those in need can contact RABI welfare staff on the helpline - 01865 727 888.

As with any other charity, donations are the lifeblood of RABI and the need to raise awareness of the plight of farmers has never been so acute.

RABI is also part of the Farming Help and Rural Stress Action Plan initiatives, helping to provide co-ordinated support whether it be spiritual, advisory or financial.

Despite social changes and the provision of state aid, many farmers and farm workers face an uncertain future after years of work on the land. The hardship and serious financial difficulties they face are probably greater than ever but RABI is here to help them.

Our history

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution was established in 1860 by a group of Essex farmers who were concerned about the overwhelming hardships suffered by many farmers. It is the national charity for those involved in farming in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

While the main focus of RABI's work has always been the provision of financial support for retired and disabled farmers, farmworkers and members of their families, RABI has helped working farmers who have fallen on hard times. Over the past few years it has provided assistance to an increasing number of farming families facing severe financial hardship due to the crisis in agriculture.

In May 1999 RABI received approval from the Privy Council to amend its Royal Charter to allow help to be given to farm staff. This means that RABI is now able to provide a safety net to all of those involved in farming.

Last year RABI assisted a record number of 1,647 individuals or families, with the number of new retired or disabled beneficiaries taken on in 2000 increasing by 37 per cent. A total of over £2.4 million was spent on helping those in need with nearly £196,000 paid out to farming families as a result of calls received on the RABI emergency help line.