The famous Royal Show and our other events showcase the very best of British agriculture each year; but RASE does much more – read on!

Did you know..?

The RASE motto is ‘practice with science’.
Since it was set up in 1840 the Society has aimed to support farming and the rural industries by spreading information about the best in research, development and practice. Today we still work to bring the best of British agriculture to the attention of our members and the wider rural industries through our shows, events, conferences and awards.

RASE is a charity
The Society is an independent charity, constituted with a Royal Charter in 1840. The purpose of the charity, set out in the Charter, is to work towards a sustainable, vibrant future for British agriculture and the rural economy. The encouragement of education on rural issues and the social welfare of rural communities are also key areas of activity in helping meet the Society’s overall objectives.

The RASE is a membership organisation
We have over 6,000 members including farmers, rural professionals and people who love the countryside. Anyone can become a member of the RASE and take advantage of the benefits package which includes free entry to all our shows each year.

The RASE has been instrumental in the setting up an array of rural organisations.
The Royal Agricultural College, LEAF, FACE, ARC, ARC-Addington Fund, Farm Stay UK, Farmers Markets, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, the IATC - the Society was involved in setting up all these organisations. Many are still housed at RASE’s home, Stoneleigh Park, and continue to receive support from the Society.

RASE has a partnership role in many of today’s countryside initiatives.
RASE has proved to be the ideal agent for getting the industry working together on different projects because it is apolitical and free of obligations to any individual interest group. The RASE believes that by pooling knowledge, skills and resources the industry can achieve much more. Today we work in partnership with the NFU, the rural churches, DEFRA, the English regional development agencies, The Countryside Agency, FRAgS, the Royal Smithfield Club, the AEA, UKTI, and many more.

The RASE is planning a new centre of rural excellence at Stoneleigh Park.
In 2004 the we announced bold plans for the development of a national centre of rural excellence at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire; a centre for rural business development and innovation, a base for major agricultural and rural organisations, a visitor attraction to educate and engage the public, and a new national centre for the British Horse.

We have been promoting excellence in agriculture since 1840.
RASE gives annual awards to encourage excellence in practice, in academia and in research and development. We present awards for new developments in machinery; agriculture and equine student theses; excellence in farming, estate management, woodlands; long service in agriculture; science, research and technology. Most of these are presented at the Royal Show.