Breadcrumbs
- Home
- Campaigns
- Sustainable Land Management
- Future of Farming Award 2008
Future of Farming Award 2008 – for people, for farming, for the countryside
The Natural England Future of Farming Award 2008 was launched on Monday 7th April. We have received over 80 applications from across England.
The standard of applications has been very high – something for us all to celebrate as this bodes well for the future of farming in England. Three finalists from each region are now being invited to the national award event and their achievements are being put forward to regional awards panels. If you have been selected as a regional finalist we will also make arrangements for a regional awards panel to visit your farm so that they can see first hand the work that you are doing. The panel will consist of Natural England, NFU and CLA representatives.
All regional finalists will be invited to the national award event held at a prestigious location in central England on 19th of November where the national winner will be announced. All finalists will receive Future of Farming Award trophies and will also be invited to regional celebrations of their achievements.
What is the Future of Farming Award?
The Future of Farming Award recognises the most innovative farmers who have successfully integrated the management of biodiversity, landscape and access with the main business of their farms. The award aims to show appreciation for the sorts of farm management which will achieve more sustainable management of the natural environment. By rewarding farmers’ achievements the award demonstrates what can be achieved and ground truths Natural England’s policy objectives for a more sustainable agriculture.
The award is actively supported by all three main farmer and landowner organisations in England; the Country Land & Business Association, the National Farmers Union and the Tenant Farmers Association.
What sorts of farmers win the award?
Tenants, landowning farmers and farm managers are all eligible to apply. The criteria for the award are designed to establish that the applicant is running a farm business of some description. Successful applicants in 2007 farmed holdings which ranged from a few tens of hectares to several thousand hectares. Arable farms, livestock and mixed farms all got into the regional finals.
The key factors for success are that farmers can demonstrate how they have integrated the management of landscape, biodiversity and access with farming production. The more innovative and progressive the farm management is in a particular context the better.
How can I register an interest in applying for the award in future years?
To register an interest in the award or for general enquiries about the award contact the Future of Farming Award Co-ordinator or your Regional Project Manager for the Future of Farming Award.
| Region | Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Future of Farming Award National Co-ordinator/ East of England | Caroline Maddock | 01733 455 168 | caroline.maddock@naturalengland.org.uk |
| East Midlands | Sarah Fraser | 01522 561477 | sarah.fraser@naturalengland.org.uk |
| London | Ellen Softley | 020 7932 2230 | ellen.softley@naturalengland.org.uk |
| North East | Jim Milner | 0191 229 5465 | jim.milner@naturalengland.org.uk |
| North West | Richard Lord | 0161 234 0222 | richard.lord@naturalengland.org.uk |
| South East | Anthony Hart | 01273 476595 | antony.hart@naturalengland.org.uk |
| South West | Christine Goodall | 01392 457406 | christine.goodall@naturalengland.org.uk" |
| West Midlands | Danny Smith | 01905 363468 | danielle.smith@naturalengland.org.uk |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | Howard Botting | 01609 767439 | howard.botting@naturalengland.org.uk |