The Fruiterers Awards Council

The Awards Council is appointed by the Trustees to ensure the effective distribution of funds from the Fruiterers Education and Research Fund. Each year the Council allocates a fixed sum from this Fund (currently £30,000) to the Awards Council. The Council receives additional funding raised by the initiative of individuals or the Fundraising Sub-Committee, from donations and legacies and by negotiation with funding partners.   

The Council’s membership includes academics and experts with experience in all aspects of fruit and fresh produce culture, post-harvest and distribution. The Council assesses Grant Applications and makes recommendation to the Trustees. It also assesses and makes recommendations for student awards and awards for excellence in the fruit and fresh produce industry.

The Board of Trustees receives the Minutes of each Awards Council Meeting and an annual report of its activities. The Awards Council Chairman attends at least one meeting of the Board per annum to discuss the Council’s aspirations for the forthcoming year.

As a condition of the award of a Grant for education or research and before payment is released the Awards Council on behalf of the Charity will agree with the recipient appropriate terms and conditions including reporting of the project.  This will typically include a detailed breakdown of costs, interim and final reports of their activities and an assessment by the recipient of the value of the Grant to them and to the fruit and fresh produce industry. The latter will aid the wider dispersion of the Charities impact, assist fundraising and inform future grant making strategy.

Each year the current Master is allocated a sum to distribute to initiatives of their choice. These are proposed to the Trustees for approval to ensure they comply with our objectives. The sum approved by the Trustees is determined by the performance of the Trusts investments as is normally circa £10,000 per annum.