Royal ulster agricultural society

The royal ulster agricultural society, first known as the North East agricultural association was formed in 1854 following the Great Famine with the desire to improve agriculture. The first annual show was at Balmoral on the 17^th – 19^th June 1896 and on the 29^th 1934, His Royal Highness and the Duke of Gloucester opened the Kings Hall which quickly became a landmark of international renown. The RASC is the voice of agriculture in the Commonwealth working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and its associated bodies. A classic Civil Society representing agriculture, the RASC shows what groups and individuals can do together, voluntarily, for the good of everyone. Their mission includes enabling the interchange of ideas, information and views on the secure sustainable use of natural resources in the production of food, forest and fisheries and promoting development of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and the rural environment. The society aims to encourage high standards in sustainable agriculture, forestry and fishing, raise the standard of the rural economy based on increased production, and make the general public and consumers aware of agriculture and rural concerns and encourage Agricultural Societies to carry out development and extension work. Its objectives are planning and holding a biennial commonwealth agricultural conference to give RASC members, and other interested organisations allied to farming, the opportunity to network and explore their interests and mutual problems in agriculture. It aims to encourage high standards within agricultural shows, organise a biennial next generation mission to a commonwealth member state, recognising that today’s young are the leaders of tomorrow, strengthen and improve relationships between the member show societies, develop the next generation forum to enable young agricultural leaders to play their part in the development of the rasc and their own societies. Other agendas include supporting member societies in developed countries in raising their sights towards those countries where agricultural education and expertise is urgently needed to enable food production to be increased, working closely with the commonwealth secretariat as the only Commonwealth Agricultural NGO & participating in setting the agenda for agriculture in The Commonwealth