As a result, the Trustees have determined that Royal Show 2009 will be our last; that we will create a new programme of events from 2010 onwards that develops and enhances the reputation of the RASE; that we will redouble our efforts to ensure that RASE is a relevant organisation for the 21st Century; and that we continue the excellent and vital work of our charity in the rural community.
Since taking office many people have pointed out the problems with the Society and I have tried to absorb and assess these views and observations. I am now determined to ensure that the Society will be forward thinking, vibrant, independent, and apolitical; a charity that facilitates knowledge and technology transfer - in fact, thought leaders. The Society will continue to work hard to demonstrate and foster the application of good science in agriculture, and the promotion of best practice, with the emphasis on profitable and environmentally sound production and land management.
The Society currently delivers a programme of activities which include the Practice with Science Group, the Society's Technical Events, exhibitions, conferences, Journals, website, as well as the quite remarkable and successful charitable and educational work embraced by the Arthur Rank Centre and FACE. In addition, we are developing plans to increase our influence throughout the English regions by closer engagement with Society Members, our Council and our Fellows.
The Royal Show has been quite unique in its international as well as its local influence, as an agricultural summer event. The Show combined business and entertainment in a way that established it as one of the events in the summer calendar. However, for some time, and in the aftermath of the Foot and Mouth disaster closely followed by very bad weather two years ago and Blue Tongue last year, the event has struggled - both financially and in its ability to attract both farming and non-farming visitors. Today's worsening current economic crisis across the world is an added challenge, thus the Trustees have concluded that the Royal Show is no longer economically viable. After very careful consideration they have decided, in concert with the Executive, that after this year's event, the Royal Show will cease to exist in its current form. Interestingly, a visit to SIA and SIMA shows in Paris last month showed clearly that these events are able to achieve tremendous results for both consumer and producer, but only with extensive public funding and a different approach. I am convinced that this level of public funding is simply not available to RASE to support the Royal Show or any other similar event.
The Society is considering a number of options for the future, but for Royal Show 2009 we will put significant effort into farming content and specifically include special features on the environment, energy and other important rural matters.
We are now working very hard to extract the best and most appropriate elements of the Royal Show - those which may be the foundation for individual Technical Events, or which could be grafted on to existing events. From our own experience over the last few years, Technical Events work. They are completely focussed on a discrete sub Sector of the industry; they are popular with exhibitors and visitors alike; they are profitable and truly deliver our core purpose; critically they seriously enhance our image and reputation. Recent good examples were 'Grassland and Muck' and 'Pig and Poultry', indeed, the NEW Pig and Poultry Live in May this year is already oversubscribed with exhibitors. In addition, we have just launched AgriLive Smithfield for December this year. There are key elements of the Royal Show which we believe offer genuine opportunities going forward such as equine, smallholdings and horticulture, our traditional livestock classes and education.
Clearly, a considerable amount of work needs to be done by our Events Management Teams to successfully launch new products off the back of the last Royal Show 2009. It will need a dedicated marketing campaign which engages and delivers to all of farming and rural communities, friends, guests, visitors, sponsors, partners, and exhibitors in order to sustain confidence in the RASE.
And so, as people depart Stoneleigh Park in July this year, we want to make certain that they will not dwell on the demise of the old Royal Show but focus on the innovative events that we will deliver in 2010 and beyond. We want them to see it is a watershed; the beginning of feeling re-engaged with a Society that not only listens, but also hears the call of its audience.
As I have outlined above, there are some other serious matters to address, affecting our Stoneleigh Park tenants, as well as other partners, our members and indeed you. There are a number of different prizes and awards from Burke to Bledisloe and most importantly our wide range of volunteers, friends and Stewards that all need to be included, and much more. This detailed work and engagement will take place over the next few months. We will work on the detail, keeping you closely informed as we progress along the way.
We will also be writing separately to the other regional and National Show Directors as well as to all of our partners and affiliates to ensure we all move forward together.
Please support what we are trying to achieve, and do come to the Show with all of your friends and help make this final Royal Show go out with a flourish. We look forward to welcoming you to Stoneleigh Park at any time from July 7th - 10th 2009.
Brian Warren OBE
Chief Executive