NFU Cymru has launched a new Sustainable Agriculture Award to recognise the unparalleled contribution Welsh farming enterprises make to the economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of Wales.

The inaugural NFU Cymru Sustainable Agriculture Award was announced at the Sustainable Agriculture: Food, Farming and the Environment conference held at Pentre Farm, near Brecon on Friday (June 7).

The Sustainable Agriculture Award will be awarded to the farm or farmer who, in the round, can:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the production of high-quality food to world-leading standards;
  • Demonstrate their positive contribution to protecting, maintaining and enhancing the quality of the farmed environment;
  • Demonstrate their involvement and contribution to the rural economy, rural community and Welsh culture.

The winner will receive £500 and a commemorative award. The closing date for entries is Monday, September 30, 2019.

NFU Cymru president John Davies said: “Welsh farmers make an unparalleled contribution to the economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of Wales.

“Alongside producing high-quality food to world-leading standards, farmers manage over 80% of the land area of Wales playing a crucial role protecting, maintaining and enhancing the farmed environment.

Welsh farmers are key drivers of our rural economy and are the very heart of our rural communities, the Welsh language and culture.

“The NFU Cymru Sustainable Agriculture Award aims to recognise the economic, environment, social and cultural contribution of farming in Wales and will be awarded to the farmer judged to have achieved the most outstanding example of sustainable farming business in Wales.”

Nominations are invited from farms or farmers throughout Wales. Farmers are invited to nominate themselves or they can be nominated by friends, relatives or organisations.

Nomination forms are available for download from the NFU Cymru website. Alternatively, those interested in making a nomination can do so by emailing: [email protected].

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at their farm by the judging panel during October and the winner will be announced at the NFU Cymru Conference on Thursday, November 7, 2019.