Farming Life Awards 2023
8th Sep 2023
The Farming Life awards are aimed at recognising the talent, entrepreneurship and excellence that exists across the full range of business and commerce in the area, paying homage to the long history of individual and collective industry upon which local farming has taken root and flourished and the individuals and organisations which carry on that tradition today.
The award categories cover all aspects of farming business and agricultural industry. You may enter a maximum of two categories, and the judging process will be carried out by an independent judging panel.
Anyone can submit an entry regardless of whether they are an owner, an employee or a satisfied customer, and live or work in, or supply to Northern Ireland.
To enter please go to our website www.farminglifeawards.co.uk
Nominations close Thursday 14th September, 2023 6pm
Finalists will be invited to attend the celebrations at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast on Wednesday 11th October.
Categories:
Agri-Food Business of the Year
Kerry Foods
All businesses in the agri-food sector are invited to enter, including manufacturers and retailers. Describe the business and its products & demonstrate how you stand out from your competitors.
Agri Student/Apprentice of the Year
tbc
This category seeks to hear how your enthusiasm and positive attitude for the agricultural industry and advocacy for the study of agriculture is furthering your experience in the agri industry. Demonstrate how you have developed your agricultural knowledge and skills during your current studies/ apprenticeship, describing how you plan to use your agricultural qualifications and knowledge
Best Agri Impact
This category is seeking entries from an individual, group, organisation or business that has made a strong impact on the farming industry over the past 12 months.
Digital Development Award NEW
Digital innovation in agriculture is rapidly expanding with more and more farmers and agri-businesses recognising the benefits of multimedia platforms to grow their business, communicate with new and existing customers and improve overall public perception. If you are using digital mediums to grow your business or promote the wider agri industry to the public then enter this category and tell us about your digital development initiative.
Family Business of the Year
We’d like to hear from inspiring families with a farming or agricultural business or businesses who excel in their field/s and are an example for others in the farming community. Tell us about your background, achievements and aspirations for the future.
Farm Diversification Award
This category aims to recognise those rural businesses that have grabbed their future with both hands and diversified their operations, changing the course of their ambitions by embracing a diversification project that excels in its field and sustains their farming operations.
Farm Safety Affiliate Award
Hseni
We would like to hear from individuals or groups who have done the most to promote health and safety in the farming community in the last year.
Farm Shop of the Year
Tesco
This category will appeal to farm retailers or stores that demonstrate outstanding success as a local employer and contributing to the rural economy and local community.
Farming Tourist Attraction/Event of the Year
This category is open to any agri-related tourist attraction/event, that showcases the agri-industry to the wider public. Please describe its objectives and illustrate how it achieves these. Tell us how your tourist attraction/event engages with the agri-sector and wider general public and outline its’ proudest wins and briefly explain future growth plans.
Innovation in Agriculture
Moy Park
Innovation in agriculture involves having a progressive approach, which results in a significant performance or welfare improvement. This will be appropriate to the scale of the enterprise, perhaps showing innovation through new practices, the application of technology or something novel. Tell us about your innovation.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Cranswick
To dedicate one’s life to a particular area expertise, field of choice, promoting a positive perception of our local agricultural industry to the public, is a lifetime achievement. We would like to ehar about individuals that have demonstrated decades of service to agricultural and deserve extra special recognition for their outstanding achievements.
Nature Friendly Farmer of the Year
Do you, or someone you know, champion a way of farming which is sustainable and good for nature. You may come from a range of backgrounds, big or small, organic or conventional, but you are passionate about ensuring that our countryside is productive and bursting with wildlife. You believe that farming and nature can go hand in hand, and enjoy raising awareness of nature friendly farming, sharing insights and experience and working with your local community for better food and farming policies.
Sustainable Initiative Award
RJ Woodland Services
Our diverse farm landscape is home to a multitude of resources, and it has never been more crucial to ensure that these are safeguarded in a sustainable manner for the future. This category is open to farmers and organisations with a focus on wider sustainable land resource management. This may include maximising opportunities for carbon capture on farms through peatland restoration, wetland creation or afforestation; delivering good soil health or managing wetlands and other watercourses to minimise diffuse pollution risks, among other things. Show evidence that you have a proactive approach to enhancing the landscape using these and other similar methods. Demonstrate how the nominee strives to promote sustainable land resource management.
Training Initiative Award
Lantra
This category welcomes entries from individuals or companies who can demonstrate their understanding of the importance of training and the subsequent impact of this on their job/work force.
Unsung Hero Award
Afbi
An Unsung Hero is a committed individual or rural-based group that have selflessly volunteered their time within the rural setting for the benefit of their community. Tell us about your Unsung Heroes.
Young Farmer of the Year
Asda
We would like to hear about our young farmers, (aged 40 years or under), who demonstrate excellence in agriculture in such a way that stand him or her out from their peers. What have they achieved, what sets them apart, and what are their ambitions.
