THE recent Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) agm saw some of farming's high achievers celebrated.

Held at Clevedon Hall, North Somerset, in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, associates and fellows from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales came together to provide an annual update on activities which have taken place throughout the year as well as looking forward, which included a variety of farming study tours, agricultural show receptions and award presentations across the United Kingdom.

The Princess Royal is a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and gave an address to the agm before conducting the changing of office when outgoing national chairman, John Henning (Northern Ireland) handed over to Nick Green (England).

Mr Henning commented: "It has been a huge honour and privilege to have led CARAS for the past two years. In that time, I have been welcomed by the membership across the four corners of the UK and have been enthused by the inspiring, dedicated and passionate people I have met."

The objective of the UK wide CARAS organisation is to recognise, through an awards scheme, distinguished achievement in agriculture and related land-based industries. These embrace not only practical farming and the development of new husbandry practices, but also research, technology, economics, education, farming care, communication and administration.

A Fellowship (FRAgS) or Associateship (ARAgS) is a recognition of outstanding contribution by an individual to the understanding, efficiency and well-being of agriculture. To date, more than 1200 individuals have been recognised and there are currently more than 800 Fellows and 350 Associates.

Mr Green added: "We are delighted to be able to be come together today in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, to not only conduct official business but to highlight individual personal achievement within the farming industry. As an apolitical organisation, we feel that our membership can really lead the industry to step even further forward."

During the meeting, HRH The Princess Royal, remarked on the farming industry's resilience during the pandemic, responding and adapting in challenging times, and commented on the range of skilled opportunities there were in the sector. She spoke about how food production in the UK should be valued amongst society.

Finally, she highlighted the great deal of knowledge that those who work the land have gained which must be learnt from and not lost before closing by giving recognition to the work of CARAS.