WALLISINRABI CHAIR
WALLISINRABI CHAIR
JOHN Wallis, recently appointed chairman of The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), says the charity must be "prepared for change" as the farming community continues to feel the pinch.
Last year, the RABI distributed over £2 million to over 1200 needy farmers and their families and Mr Wallis says that more money will be made available if necessary. "We have two jobs, to make money and to distribute it."
He adds that if it is felt there is not enough money to go around they will step up their fundraising efforts accordingly.
In the past the RABI has mainly given financial assistance to retired and disabled farmers but, as a result of the slump in the industry, it has also helped working farmers and their families who have fallen on hard times. Although the charity does not subsidise struggling businesses, it does provide funds to help cover farmers household and living costs.
But farmers are a proud bunch and Mr Wallis says that one of the main problems faced by the RABI is actually locating those farmers who need help. "Many farmers are prepared to go through very hard times before they will accept help from us."
Mr Wallis has first-hand knowledge of farming. He studied at the Royal Agricultural College before going on to run a 150-cow dairy farm in Wilts. He is currently a consultant for Humberts, Chartered Surveyors and still runs a pedigree flock of Wiltshire Horn sheep.
His first duty in his new post will be to receive a cheque for £10,000, donated by Lancs NFU, to help alleviate the problems of hard hit farming families.
Nick Shepherd