Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:46:00 IST
'FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition' Launched
The 2008 'FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition' was launched last week by Macra na Feirme, IFA and sponsors, FBD.
The aim of this prestigious competition, run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA, is to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country. Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and community involvement.
Conor Gouldson, FBD Company Secretary, said that FBD Insurance were glad to sponsor the competition for the tenth year in succession.
"Farming is at the core of FBD's success and young farmers are essential for the continued growth and development in this sector," he said.
Catherine Buckley, Macra na Feirme national president, says that it is important to highlight the positive aspects of farming. "Farming offers a varied and challenging work environment and is still a viable profession. It's vital that we acknowledge the many highly educated young people that have embarked on a successful career in farming," she said.
Padraig Walshe, IFA president, said: "This competition has been a big success to date in terms of recognising and rewarding our industry's best young farmers."
The total prizefund for the 2008 'FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition' is €10,000, prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place. Application forms are available from Macra na Feirme national office by phoning 01 4268900 or emailing mailto:ddillon@macra.iefrom local IFA or FBD offices, and by download from www.macra.ie.
New opportunity to nominate a young farmer for the Award
This year, members of the public can also nominate a local young farmer for the Awards. A special nomination form is also available from Macra na Feirme by phoning 01 4268900 or by emailing ddillon@macra.ie .