10th Farming Life awards launched

Now celebrating its 10 year anniversary, this prestigious event has grown from strength the strength and after a difficult 2020 so far will be shining a light on many of the achievements within the farming and food sectors in Northern Ireland.

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, then it’s the importance of the role of our farmers in ensuring our supermarket shelves remain stocked with safe, nutritious and top quality produce.

While other sectors have taken a hit during lock-down, our industry has continued to play its part in the day to day business and life of our community.

Farming Life editor Ruth Rodgers commented: “2020 will go down in history as one of the most memorable, for all the wrong reasons, so we feel it is important that we recognise the work of our farmers during this most difficult time.

“Not only have they been keeping our shelves stocked, but they have been getting on with the day to day business on their farms whilst also dealing with the affects of lock-down and the impact it has on our social and family lives.

“Farming can be a very lonely business, and the current situation may well have been increasing the sense of isolation that many in our rural areas face. It has been inspiring to see how individuals and groups have been rallying round to help those who are vulnerable and isolated at this time and this is something in particular that we want to reflect through this year’s awards.”

Online entries are now open for a range of categories including: Agri Food Business of the Year, Farm Diversification Award, Farmer of the Year, Farming Family of the Year, Innovation in Agriculture Award, Commitment To Training, Farm Safety Champion, Agricultural Student of the Year, Artisan Producer of the Year, Women of Excellence in Agriculture, Young Farmer of the Year (40 years or younger), Unsung Hero Award, Agricultural Retailer/Store of the Year, and Promotional Agri Initiative. There will also be the lifetime achievement award.

New categories this year will include a ‘community spirit award’ to recognise those who are going above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic, and an award for ‘highlight of the decade’ which aims to recognise an individual, company or initiative which has had a massive impact on the industry during the past ten years.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Thursday, 19th November and it will take the form of a hybrid event with limited numbers attending on the night and also streamed live on social media platforms.

Entries are now open and will close on Monday 19th October - go to www.farminglifeawards.co.uk for more information or to submit an entry. Make sure and check out our launch video which is currently circulating online and through our social media channels, which includes a special message from DAERA Minister Edwin Poots.

Click here for full deatils and information

For more information on entries or sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected]