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Leading academics honoured at House of Lords celebration of food and farming trailblazers

Posted 28 October

Leading academics from Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ have been honoured  at an event at the House of Lords celebrating the achievements of trailblazers in the UK’s food and farming industry.

The prestigious event, hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE FRAgS, praised the recipients for their significant contributions to the sector in the presence of 100 fellows, associates and guests.

Organised by the English Panel of the Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS), the ceremony was a true celebration of the innovators, mentors, and leaders who are shaping the future of British agriculture.

These awards highlight individuals who have gone above and beyond, driving change in sustainable farming, supporting charities, and pushing the boundaries of research and technology. From advancing traditional farming practices to taking on voluntary roles that strengthen the sector, these honourees are transforming the industry for the better.

This year, Senior Lecturer in Engineering and Douglas Bomford Trust Technical Secretary David White and ABP Chair of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production Professor Jude Capper received honours.

Speaking at the ceremony, Andrew Blenkiron FRAgS, Chairman of the English Panel, said: "These 29 exceptional individuals represent the very best of British farming.

“Through their leadership and dedication, they have become ambassadors for our industry, exemplifying excellence in important areas such as climate change, animal welfare, safety and communicating farming’s message with the general public.

"We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements in such an iconic and historic British setting."

Sponsored by Juno (Plant Protection) Ltd., the event provided a unique opportunity for industry leaders to come together, share ideas, and celebrate their collective contributions to the future of British farming.

Nick Tapp, director at Juno, expressed his pride in supporting the event once again and said: “It’s an honour to stand alongside such inspiring figures in the industry.

“These individuals have not only driven innovation but have also given back generously to the farming community. As a company focused on natural solutions for the British potato industry, we are proud to be part of this celebration."

Rt Hon Lord Taylor also offered his congratulations to the award recipients and added: "British farming thrives because of dedicated individuals like today’s award recipients. Their passion and hard work are what make our agricultural sector world-leading.

“Today is about recognising their incredible achievements and the lasting impact they’ve made, both here and internationally."

Speaking after the event, Mr White – who was made an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies – said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be inaugurated as an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies, in recognition of my contribution to machinery design, research and education in the agricultural industry. I wish to extend a massive thank you to my two sponsors, Professor Dick Godwin and Dr David Llewellyn, CBE - the former being by mentor throughout my working career, and the latter the ex-Vice Chancellor of Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony at the House of Lords, which I attended with my daughter. Thank you to Rosie Carne and Debbie Winstanley for their excellent job reading out the citations, and to the Rt Hon Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE for hosting the event. Many congratulations also go to my Harper colleague, Jude Capper.”

Professor Capper – who was named a Fellow – added: “I am humbled and extremely honoured to have been recognised with a Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Society.

“As one attendee commented to me, farming is a profession - and possibly an obsession - and it's certainly true to say that I'm finding myself obsessed by the sustainability issues facing our industry.

“We have a bright future ahead of us and the high calibre of all the new Royal Agricultural Society Associates and Fellows will, I'm sure, allow us to face all challenges with aplomb.