Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies Information

CARAS (The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies) exists to administer the scheme originating in 1970 whereby outstanding contributions by an individual to UK agricultural and rural progress is recognised by awards. There are two categories – initially Associateship (ARAgS) and the senior award is Fellowship (FRAgS). Candidates do not apply themselves until invited to do so. Potential candidates for Associateship are suggested by existing Fellows for consideration to National Panels in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales (depending upon the country of residence of the candidate). If deemed to have made truly outstanding contributions to UK agricultural progress (beyond simply doing their jobs well), candidates are invited by their National Panel via the Chairman to make a submission of their work and community activities in support of their application. Candidates pay a fee for administration and supply the names of two existing Fellows (FRAgS) who have agreed to act as sponsors for them. Once an application is registered to proceed, Assessors are appointed to meet and interview the candidate and report to The Moderator’s Panel of CARAS, which determines the outcome of the assessment of ARAgS. Enhancement to Fellowship (FRAgS) awards are not automatic but follow evidence of continued outstanding contributions of Associates to UK agricultural progress supported by citations made to Council who determine their outcome and award FRAgS. In very exceptional circumstances, direct election to Fellowship (FRAgS) is made by Council. This Members organisation comprises a fellowship of outstanding agriculturalists that is UK wide. We do not have the capacity to recognise and make awards for contributions to agricultural progress outside the UK.