The National Women in Agriculture Awards will return for its second year in 2025, after a phenomenal first event in 2024.
The awards scheme is designed to recognise and reward women in agriculture and is now open for nominations in 12 categories, covering a broad range of areas where women are making their mark on the agriculture industry.
From 1 November, businesses and individuals can submit their nominations, which will be judged by a panel of female food and farming leaders who know the industry inside out, including Tonia Antoniazzi MP, a prominent supporter of food and farming.
The awards will be held on 6 May 2025 at a black-tie event at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London’s Covent Garden. This prestigious venue has been chosen to reflect and celebrate the valuable work women in agriculture do.
The scheme is being run by Mark Allen Group, which organises other farming events including the Farmers Weekly Awards, National Pig Awards, National Egg & Poultry Awards and the National Arable & Grassland Awards.
It is sponsored by Nestlé UK and Ireland, HSBC, the Co-op, Dunbia, Noble Foods, the NFU and Rumenco.
The judging panel is being chaired by Chloe Ryan, a food and farming journalist. “Last year’s event in the House of Commons was a truly magical evening celebrating the huge contribution and achievements of women throughout agriculture. This year’s event is going to be even bigger and better.
“We are delighted to be supported by major national and international brands that are sponsoring the event and share our enthusiasm for the purpose of the awards. At such a tumultuous time for agriculture and the wider economy, this scheme is shining a light on the brilliant women and businesses steering the industry through, and highlighting all the role models younger women can look up to.”
A spokesperson for principal sponsor Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “We have been working directly with UK farmers for many years and have always recognised the incredible work that is done every day by our female farmers. Often, this effort goes unrecognised outside of the farms, which is why we are very proud to sponsor these awards and help shine a light on the amazing work done by female farmers in the UK.”
The 12 categories open for nominations are:
- Sustainability Champion of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Farming Woman of the Year
- Supply Chain Woman of the Year
- Rising Star of the Year
- Agricultural Ambassador of the Year
- Agricultural Influencer of the Year
- Agricultural Advisor of the Year
- Innovator of the Year
- Training and Education Woman of the Year
- Trade Organisation Woman of the Year
- Business of the Year
Full details on how to enter can be found at www.nationalwomeninagriculture.co.uk