RCF Executive Director awarded Associateship of The Royal Agricultural Societies

The awards highlight individuals who have gone above and beyond, driving change in sustainable agriculture, supporting charities and pushing the boundaries of research and technology.

The citation praised Keith’s leadership of The Royal Countryside Fund through a critical period of agricultural transition, as the charity expanded to support thousands of smaller, often isolated, family farms.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, where 32 individuals received awards, Al Brooks FRAgS, Chairman of the English Panel, said: “These 32 exceptional individuals represent the very best of British agriculture. Through their leadership and dedication, they have become ambassadors for our industry, exemplifying excellence in important areas such as climate change, animal welfare, farm safety, product development and research as well as communicating farming’s message with the public.”

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Royal Countryside Fund, said: “It is a great privilege to lead an organisation like The Royal Countryside Fund, which has done so much good for so many family farms and rural communities across the UK. The charity marks its 15^th anniversary this year and since His Majesty The King created the RCF in 2010, we have supported more than 5,500 family farms and invested over £12 million in 550 rural community-led projects. I am incredibly grateful for the part I have been able to play in the charity’s successes, and I am very honoured to receive this award of Associateship of the Royal Agricultural Societies which I see as reflecting the work of my team as much as my own endeavours.

“Everything that the RCF does is built upon bringing people together and collective effort, so it seems very appropriate to take this occasion to thank all the RCF staff and the charity’s trustees, past and present, for their tireless work. Their efforts, combined with the support of our partners and funders, have made a real and much-needed difference to farming and rural communities across the UK – and when our countryside thrives, we all do.”

The awards scheme is sponsored by the Royal Agricultural Societies of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and is a recognition of significant contribution to the agricultural and land-based industries of the UK. It is awarded to those who can demonstrate the required high level of achievement. There are currently over 395 English Fellows and 180 English Associates.

Find out more about the awards here: https://royalagriculturalsocietiesawards.org/