ONE of Cumbria's farming trailblazers has been honoured at the House of Lords.
Matthew Robinson, chairman of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society, has been recognised nationally for his outstanding contribution to agriculture and the rural community.
He received the prestigious Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) by H&R The Princess Royal at a ceremony hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Douglas Miller at a ceremony in Westminster for his tireless work in championing agriculture through promotion, education and industry involvement.
The House of Lords opened its historic doors to celebrate 24 of the UK's most influential and inspiring figures in food and farming. Dairy farmers who started with no cows, a scientist who helped sequence the wheat genome, a farmer whose partridges went from one pair to seventy-two and a lecturer still teaching after sixty years.
Princess Anne met the recipients and presented their awards in front of Fellows, Associates and guests.
The ceremony recognised the innovators, mentors and leaders shaping the future of British agriculture, from sustainable farming and animal welfare to research, technology, and the voluntary work that holds rural communities together.
“British farming thrives because of dedicated individuals like today’s award recipients,” said The Rt Hon Lord Douglas-Miller. “Their passion and hard work are what makes our agricultural sector world leading. Today is about recognising their incredible achievements and the lasting impact they have made, both here in the UK and internationally.”
“You are a very accomplished group of awardees,” said Al Brooks FRAgS, Chairman of the English Panel. “Through leadership and dedication, you have become ambassadors for our industry, exemplifying excellence across the sector” He thanked HRH The Princess Royal for her ongoing support of the industry and our rural communities.
“It is an honor to be here as the National Chair of CARAS to help celebrate everyone’s great achievements, the quality of recipients today from all sectors in the industry is outstanding” said Meurig James FRAgS, National Chairman of CARAS.
Matthew Robinson entered his final year as Chairman of the Society following its recent AGM.
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