Nominations are now open for the 2024 Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) Awards. Six awards are available for entry, including the National Agricultural Award, the Excellence in Practical Farming Award and the prestigious Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners, all of which allow for self-nominations and recommendations.
“The agricultural industry is grappling with the challenge of producing sufficient quantities of nutritious food using practices that are sustainable, viable and profitable,” said David Grint, CEO at RASE.
“Shining a light on those who are finding and implementing approaches that enable farming businesses to thrive enables others to hear about and consider options that could work for their farming businesses.”
The awards have been expanded in recent years to reflect the greater need for diversity of skills, knowledge and expertise in the industry.
“RASE was founded by a group of people who recognised the need for science to support the development of agriculture,” said David. “Today, it’s fair to say that the agricultural industry has never needed science and innovation more, as farming practices and land management shift to deliver food production, climate change mitigation and ecological benefits simultaneously.”
The Science and Technology Award was introduced in 2022 to recognise the work of researchers who have advanced science within agriculture, and the Farm of the Future Award was established in 2023 to celebrate pioneers within the industry.
For 2024, the RASE Natural Capital Award will be introduced, sponsored by Trinity Natural Capital Pro Council. Dr. Hosein Khajeh-Hosseiny from Trinity AgTech said: “Natural capital has been the least rewarded of all assets relative to its economic and social contributions.
“The new era of the Natural Capital Century will see a shift where farmers who embrace natural capital and food production are rewarded for their contribution to our sector and society.
“The new Natural Capital Award celebrates those who have broken through the paralysis and are exemplifying excellence in farming and sustainability.”
Entries are open until the 17th of April. More information can be found at www.rase.org.uk