Hushållningssällskapet SkaraborgRural Economy and Agricultural Society of Skaraborg

The very first Swedish agricultural society was formed on the island of Gotland in 1791, and since 1850 there are agricultural societies in every county. The Agricultural Society of Skaraborg is a non-profit membership organisation that encompasses 4000 individual members on the countryside (one third are women). REAS runs consultative activities towards the rural community and rural businesses.

For nearly 200 years (it was established in 1807) it has been a driving force in both the economic and social development of the countryside and the rural populations in Sweden. Within this context, REAS has established corporations with many local groups and many local networks have also been developed.

The clients are farmers, private enterprises, other people living in rural areas and public organisations. The main activities are advisory services, research and development projects and continuous education within all areas concerning agriculture and rural development. The Society conducts development projects on contract basis from research funds, the Swedish University of Agriculture and other Swedish Universities. REAS is participating in several EU financed projects.

With four experimental farms, two fish breeding plants and Hökensås Sport Fishing company as a base, and with hundreds of field trials located on farms, the REAS is well-established in the rural settlements of Skaraborg.