Welcome from the Acting-President

As Acting-President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), I would like to welcome you to our corporate website.  This site will provide you with the history and overview of the RAS, including our organisational activities, future direction and Membership Program. 

The RAS is a not-for profit organisation, and is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected industry bodies.  Since its formation in 1822, the RAS has worked with public and private sectors of the agricultural industry to fulfill our charter to promote, forster and encourage the sustainable development of agriculture in NSW.

The general business activities of the RAS include the year round management and operation of Sydney Showground, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food Shows and the Australasian Animal Registry.

In 2007, the RAS celebrated 10 successful years at Sydney Olympic Park.  Sydney Showground has become one of Australia’s leading exhibition, catering and event venues, recently securing a place in the Meetings & Events Association (MEA) Hall of Fame, after winning its third consecutive MEA National Catering and Banqueting Award. The venue provides outstanding facilities for the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show and year-round, hosts a large number of diverse events including conferences, exhibitions, banquets, dinners, meetings and film shoots. 

The RAS has a strong belief in the role we have to play in educating city dwellers about agriculture and agricultural produce. Our educational programs have become an integral part of all our Show activities.  The 2007 Sydney Royal Easter Show saw the introduction of two initiatives in the enhanced Dairy Farmers Farmyard & Animal Nursery and The Food Farm with the theme “Where does our food come from?”.  We have also developed a number of educational judging programs which are conducted in conjunction with our Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food Shows.

The RAS Foundation has been established to provide funding for young people living and working in rural communities, to assist with their education and make it easier for them to pursue careers in agriculture.

The Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food Shows, and all the Sydney Royal Competitions judged at the Easter Show, are a culmination of the RAS’ pursuit to recognise and award the ‘best of the best’ in agricultural produce. The RAS President’s Medal is designed to reward outstanding excellence in primary production and practices and is awarded annually to one high achiever from our Shows.

The RAS has a membership base of around 12,000 people.  On this website, you may apply for or renew your membership online, and access information, activities and exclusive promotions for Members. 

Mr John B. Fairfax, AM
ACTING PRESIDENT