AS a casualty of the foot-and-mouth crisis, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society sustained a loss of £394,309 last year.

Not only was the 2001 show cancelled but 74 other events on the showground at Builth Wells could not be held.

Against the profit of £262,000 achieved the previous year, this was an adverse swing of some £660,000.

Dr Emrys Evans, chairman of the Royal Welsh board of management, said in his annual report to members that due to the most generous response of members, sponsors and tradestand exhibitors, the society had not so far experienced any cash flow difficulties.

He said the society felt fully justified in seeking some measure of support from the National Assembly, especially bearing in mind the fact that the society's annual contribution to the rural economy had been in excess of £30m for many years.

However, as the plea had been refused, the society had lodged an appeal and was currently seeking a meeting with the Minister for Rural Affairs.