Recognising excellence in Cornish farming

Nominations for the best and brightest of Cornwall’s farming businesses are now open as the Addington Fund launches its 2018 Cornwall Farm Business Awards.

Recognising excellence in any industry is important, but in farming it is a lifestyle as well as job that the nominees will have worked day and night to perfect, says Sheila Cole, chairman of trustees at the Addington Fund. “It is so important to celebrate and congratulate those who demonstrate excellence in farming; not only is it a real confidence booster, but these farmers are examples of where the entire industry will be heading in the future. With entries for the awards closing on 28 February, get your nominations in now.”

Previous awards have seen innovative producers and those taking technical accuracy to the next level congratulated for their success, she adds. “This would not be possible without the continual support of Stephens Scown and the Royal Cornwall Agriculture Association, who are integral to the success of the awards.”

It’s time to celebrate Cornwall’s farmers, from new entrants bringing fresh ideas, to those who’ve championed the industry for years, says Phil Reed, partner and head of the rural team at Stephens Scown. “Sharing success through events like the Cornwall Farm Business Awards is important for the farming community. Farmers are renowned for being modest about their hard work, dedication and innovation.

“Without them we simply wouldn’t have the quality local food and drink we enjoy so much. I encourage everyone in the farming community to enter or nominate someone from the vast pool of talent this region has to offer,” adds Mr Reed.

Cornwall is full of very enterprising farming businesses, many of which are the envy of the rest of the UK and further afield, says Chris Riddle, secretary at the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association.  “The promotion of farming excellence and good practice is so important in taking Cornwall and its produce to the world and these awards highlight those who are doing this so well. We are again delighted to be hosting the awards dinner for the 2018 Cornwall Farm Business Awards in our Pavilion Centre here at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre and would encourage entrants to step forward with an entry.”

It is without doubt that Cornish farmers are an excellent example of innovative and forward thinking British farming and should be recognised as such, says Alan Goddard, managing director at Cornish Mutual. “The awards are all part of supporting and encouraging farmers to continue doing a wonderful job of producing some of the best food in the country. It is an honour to sponsor Cornwall’s Farmer of the Year and I very much look forward to seeing some outstanding entries.”

The awards are about recognising individuals, families and companies for their contribution to Cornish and British agriculture, says Mrs Cole. “Innovation may be making change possible, but it is the people who are the driving force behind it. If you have a friend or neighbour who is doing an amazing job, please nominate them.” Every category is still open for nominations and self-nominations are very welcome.

Farmers and growers in Cornwall are invited to apply for one of the following categories:

  • Best Commercial Farmer nomination 2018
  • Best Woman in Farming nomination 2018
  • Best Livestock Farmer nomination 2018
  • Best Farm Processor nomination 2018
  • Best Dairy Farmer nomination 2018
  • Best Young Farmer nomination 2018
  • Best Farming Champion award nomination 2018

 

Entries close on February 28, 2018, with winners being announced at the awards dinner scheduled for Thursday 26 April at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre.

Information about the awards, the various categories and how to enter can be found at www.addingtonfund.org.uk/events

For more information contact:
Addington Fund – Andy Newbold T: 01926 620135. E: [email protected]