NFU president Tim Bennett today launched the new National Farming Awards during his address at the Royal Show.
The awards will celebrate and promote business excellence in British farming and growing. There will be nine categories which will encourage farmers and growers to think about customer connection, innovation and the environment, as well as rewarding newcomers to the industry and those with long and esteemed careers.
Bennett said: “The National Farming Awards have been designed to be separate from other industry awards. They will not offer farmers and growers the title of ‘best in sector’. Instead farmers from all sectors and backgrounds - whether they have a million pound turnover or they are a small family farm - will be encouraged to think about how they run their businesses, what difference they have made to the industry and how they are impacting on the environment.
“I’m really pleased to be launching these awards and I’m looking forward to receiving entries from the high-calibre, professional people I know make up our industry.”
The award categories are as follows:
• Best business development in the food chain
For a successful business initiative within the food chain that has delivered growth and profit
• Regional food producer of the year
For the food producer that has recognised and successfully met consumer need at a regional or local level and has created a sustainable business
• Best food service enterprise
For a farming based business that has developed products specifically for the foods service industry and thereby satisfying customer needs
• Best farm retailer
For a business that has successfully added value to primary produce and developed sales directly to the customer via mail order, farm shops or farmers markets
• The environment award
This award will go to a farm that recognises the importance of conservation and habitat management while running a prosperous and successful business.
• Collaboration of the year
For an individual or group which has demonstrated collaborative working to achieve greater market penetration and success
• Innovator of the year
For the business which has displayed an innovative approach to using farming based products and/or by-products for non-traditional purposes
• Newcomer of the year
For the best example of a business person who has been involved in farming for less than five years and has developed a successful business
• Lifetime achievement award
For an individual who is voted for by his or her peer group for making an outstanding contribution to the success of the farming industry.
Calls for entries will begin in the autumn. After regional finalists have been selected, national judging will take place in the new year and the awards ceremony will be held in June 2006 at a London venue.
For further information visit www.nationalfarmingawards.co.uk
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