PO - PEER RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE VIA ‘CARAS’ (THE UK COUNCIL FOR AWARDS OF THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES)

Abstract:
This Poster summarises the history since its 1970 launch, operation and impacts of the scheme for peer recognition of outstanding contributions to agricultural progress within the UK. The Council for Awards (CARAS) is sponsored by the four national Royal Agricultural Societies (RAS) of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. CARAS awards Associateships (ARAgS) and Fellowships (FRAgS), under a Constitution reframed in 1984, revised in 1990.

The Poster reviews diverse benefits hypothesised for those thus recognised and some collective activities of members. It seeks to evaluate the impact of these awards in motivating excellence for UK agricultural progress and public benefit by analysis of responses from almost 600 recipients of the awards. It is presented with a view to encouraging other countries to adopt such a scheme if not having one already. The conclusions of a survey of members perceptions of the benefits of the scheme are presented.

Keywords: agriculture, outstanding contribution, recognition, awards, motivating excellence, benefits