Niab’s Scott Raffle awarded Prestigious RHS award

Scott joined Niab in 2022 and is based at East Malling in Kent. He has worked in the UK fruit industry for over 30 years, initially as a fruit consultant with ADAS, before joining the levy bodies HDC and AHDB to disseminate the results of their fruit and ornamentals research programmes.

Accepting the award at the recent Fruit Focus event at Bradbourne House, East Malling, Scott said: “It’s an honour to receive the RHS George Lockie Award. Having worked in the fruit industry all my life whilst also being a keen amateur horticulturist, recognition from the RHS means a huge amount to me. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with so many dedicated growers, researchers and colleagues whose passion and expertise continue to drive innovation and solve problems in the UK fruit industry. Without their work and willingness to share their experience, knowledge and research results with me, I would have had no job at all, so I dedicate this award to all those of have and continue to help and support me.”

Gerry Edwards, Chair of the RHS Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group explained why they felt Scott was deserving of the award: “The RHS Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group is delighted to award Scott the George Lockie Award 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to horticulture and the UK fruit industry. Through his dedication and extensive work across the sector, Scott has made a significant and lasting impact. By championing research, innovation and practical solutions, he has transformed the way knowledge is shared. His efforts have delivered widespread benefits and helped strengthen the industry.”

Niab Acting CEO John Sillitoe said: "Congratulations to Scott! This is a well-deserved award and testament to Scott’s hard work ensuring Niab’s fruit research remains relevant to growers and the UK fruit industry. He is well-known throughout the industry, having dedicated his career to it, and his knowledge and commitment is vital to how results from Niab’s varied research reaches and impacts UK fruit growers.’

This annual award is presented by the RHS Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group in recognition of significant personal achievement relating to fruit, vegetables or culinary herbs. It is named in honour of George Lockie, who was one of the great figures in post-war British horticulture. He was a longstanding member of the RHS Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Committee and was awarded the RHS’ Victoria Medal of Honour in 2004, the year before his death.

Scott Raffle

Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager - East Malling