Scotland's Future Farmer Award 2012 launches

02 February 2012

Entries are being sought for Scotland’s Future Farmer Award 2012 with £4,000 on offer to reward the winner’s outstanding contribution to the farming industry.

An initiative funded by the Elizabeth Murray Trust and supported by NFU Scotland (www.nfus.org.uk), its website says the award is aimed at showcasing ways in which the country can produce food, fibre and wood products from farms and crofts in a commercially viable way while maintaining the land’s “natural capital and minimizing the ecological footprint of farming activities”.

“The Future Farmer Award hopes to recognise and reward a farmer who can demonstrate forward thinking, passion and dedication to the farming industry in a way that also shows us how farming and the environment can work hand-in-hand towards the sustainability of rural Scotland,” said Michael Williams, who runs the award.

“I should like to encourage direct entries or third party nominations that can help us to showcase commercial farming and environmental sustainability.”

Scottish farmers entering can be of any age, male or female, and involved in livestock or arable farming.

In addition to the £4,000, the Future Farmer Award 2012 winner will also receive a package of practical support to help them promote their ideas to other farmers and land managers.

Information on how to enter is available at www.futurefarmer.org.uk/award. The closing date is 29 April 2012.