Leadership in Sustainability leads to Award

The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) has awarded the annual Fred Beech trophy to new star of the cider industry, Emily Durrant, whose passion and commitment to sustainability over the past year has been recognised. The Fred Beech Trophy is given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the cider industry each year.

Emily, (26) who leads the HONE (Herefordshire Orchard Networks of Excellence) Project is the recipient of the trophy, not only for her commitment to the introduction of sustainable orchards in Herefordshire, but for her tireless work to encourage sustainable methods across the UK.

Presenting the award to Emily, Richard Heathcote, Chair of the Sustainable Futures Committee of the NACM said: "We are delighted to award the trophy this year to such a bright young star of our industry.  The future of the country's orchards will depend on the quality of people who get involved in the industry and in just a few short years Emily has made a huge impact and very significant contribution to the cider apple orchards of the future." Emily was appointed project manager for HONE in November 2010 and regularly facilitates workshops for over 80 members.

Workshops cover topics and issues relating to the future of orchards - the most recent event looked at costing issues affecting cider apple growers. Emily's interest in the cider industry began prior to the HONE project and while undertaking an MA at Sussex University in Environment, Development and Policy, Emily worked part-time for Bulmers (Heineken) on a number of projects concerning sustainability.  Projects included a study in to specifying long-term cider apple research requirements.

The Fred Beech award is made in memory of Fred Beech, who was a leading pomologist at the former Long Ashton Research Centre in Bristol. The award was presented at the NACM's AGM in Ledbury, Herefordshire.