Each winner receives a cash prize of £1,000 and nominators could receive up to £150 if their nominee is chosen as a national winner.
The award categories are: Best Innovations in the Food Chain, The English Nature Farming for Wildlife, Farming Ambassador of the Year, Farm Retailer of the Year, Great British Food, Young Farmer of the Year and the Daily Telegraph David Brown award, which recognises young farming pioneers who have made a promising start to a career in agriculture or horticulture.
Previous winners have praised the positive effect that winning the award had in bringing new business opportunities. Rod Adligton, winner of the Farming Business of the Year award 2003, said: 'Winning was a tremendous boost to team morale and proved great for business.' All nominations must be received by December 12 2003 and forms are available electronically on www.nfuonline.com.