25-May-2006
- The Environment Agency is looking for a first-class
farmer to be crowned Countryside Farmer of the
Year at the Farmers Weekly Agricultural Awards.
The awards aim to recognise
those people who show courage, vision, technical
and business excellence on their farm.
With the introduction of the
new agricultural waste regulations this month,
the social and environmental responsibilities
of farmers have never been more important.
The new controls mean farmers
won’t be able to operate a farm tip/dump without
a permit and they will no longer be allowed to
burn waste like plastics.
Award entrants will be required
to explain their achievements in the following
five key areas: business innovation and achievement;
production and efficiency; marketing; social responsibility;
and leadership.
The judges are looking for evidence
of business growth, cost management, innovation
and collaboration. They will also be keen to see
initiatives and plans to boost biodiversity, protect
natural resources, meet legislative demands, educate
the public and engage with the local community.
Environment Agency strategy
manager David Forster said: " We are delighted
to support the Farmers Weekly Agricultural Awards
by sponsoring the Countryside Farmer of the Year
category.
"Farmers are rarely given
credit for the enormous amount of time and energy
they put into our countryside for everyone to
enjoy. We hope this award will inspire environmental
stewardship to be at the heart of every farm business."
If you think you’ve got what
it takes or know someone who has, you can download
an application form at www.fwi.co.uk/OnlineTeam/agawards
or call Jacqui Winn on 020 8652 4002. Completed
application forms should be sent to Jacqui Winn,
Farmers Weekly Awards, Quadrant House, Sutton,
Surrey, SM2 5AS.
For more information on the
new agricultural waste regulations visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/agriculturalwaste
or call 0845 603 3113.
