Prize money worth €30,000 will be on offer for the new Teagasc and FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards which promote environmentally friendly farming.
The awards aim to highlight the progress that farmers are making to reduce their environmental impact, while continuing to produce high quality, nutritious food in a profitable manner.
The competition is open to dairy, beef, sheep and tillage farmers, with entries closing on Thursday, February, 29, 2024. Farmers can apply on the Teagasc website.
The overall award winner of the Teagasc and FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards will receive €10,000. The awards will be presented in October this year.
Environmental sustainability awards
The overall sponsor of the awards is FBD Insurance. They are supported by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), Bord Bia, and AgNav.
“Irish farmers produce high quality, nutritious and healthy food to feed a growing global population.
“Producing this food in an environmentally sustainable fashion is perhaps the biggest challenge facing Irish farmers currently,” according to Teagasc.
While there is much coverage of the environmental challenges faced by Irish farmers, Teagasc said they hear less about those who are farming in an environmentally friendly manner.
Encouraging farmers to feel that they can play their part in meeting the environmental challenges is an important step on the journey to a more sustainable future, Teagasc said.
“We hope that these awards can help farmers, consumers and Irish citizens to be proud of the great work undertaken by Irish farmers,” the agriculture and food development authority said.
Teagasc and FBD
Teagasc director, Prof. Frank O’Mara said the awards will recognise farmers who operate sustainable and profitable farming systems, while incorporating latest scientific developments and technologies.
Thereby, O’Mara said, farmers are reducing their greenhouse gases (GHGs) and ammonia emissions, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and improving soil health.
Michael Berkery from FBD said the awards will be the “Oscars of environmental farming”, highlighting best practice in environmental sustainability.