Farmers, rural MPs and sector leaders gathered in Parliament last night (Tuesday 3 February 2026) for RABI – the Farmers Charity’s Rural Parliamentary Reception. The evening event saw the charity formally showcase FarmersAid – a free life-saving initiative designed to support early action following serious on-farm accidents.
Farming remains one of the most dangerous professions in the UK, accounting for 20% of workplace deaths despite representing just 1% of the workforce. Farms are often remote, complex environments, meaning emergency services may take time to arrive. In many serious accidents, the people already on site – family members, colleagues or workers – are the first and only responders during the most critical minutes.
Clinicians describe the first ten minutes after a serious injury as the ‘Platinum Ten’ – a critical window where calm, informed action can shape outcomes. RABI FarmersAid has been developed with clinical and frontline emergency expertise to support people during that window, providing real-time guidance for the most common serious on-farm accident scenarios while emergency services are on the way.
Sarah Dyke MP, host of the reception and the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for rural affairs, said:
“Farming is fundamental to our food security and rural economy, yet it remains one of the most dangerous professions in the UK. The number of people losing their lives in on-farm accidents each year is tragic and unacceptable.
“It’s important to have RABI with us in Parliament this evening showcasing the support they provide to farming people, including FarmersAid. Their work is vital and this is an initiative that will save lives, which I am very pleased to support. I strongly encourage everyone working on or around farms to download the app when it launches.”
The event also featured guest Harriet Cowan, a farmer and trained nurse, best known for her role on Clarkson’s Farm. Harriet was invited to speak because of her first-hand experience of both farming life and frontline healthcare, offering a powerful perspective on why early action following serious injuries is so critical.
Harriet said:
“Farming is a huge part of my life, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. Around 27 people are killed on farms every year and that’s not something we should accept. As a trained nurse, I know how important those first few minutes are when someone is seriously injured. Knowing what to do can save a life and FarmersAid puts that knowledge in your pocket. Everyone in farming needs to register now and get it on their phones in June.”
The FarmersAid initiative reflects RABI’s wider 2025–2030 strategy, strengthening prevention, preparedness and practical support for farming people alongside its long-established wellbeing support services.
During the reception, guests also viewed a photography exhibition featuring winning images from RABI and Farmers Guardian’s 2026 charity calendar competition, capturing both the challenges and the everyday pride, skill and satisfaction of farming life.
FarmersAid will be available to download from June 2026, with a public launch planned at the Royal Cornwall Show. You can register in advance for FarmersAid today at farmersaid.org.uk.
