Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:01:00 IST
The Search is on to Find the '2010 FBD Young Farmer of the Year’
The 2010 'FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition' was launched this 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 are once again very proud to sponsor the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards, this is our 12th year sponsoring the event and we feel the competition has gone from strength to strength over the years. The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards is a great representation of FBD and its core values. Young farmers are vital for the future of farming and are the leaders in innovation and entrepreneurialism in the farming sector.
Michael Gowing, Macra na Feirme national president, says "Young trained farmers are the future guardians of our largest indigenous industry, they bring the positive energy, new approaches and dynamism that is required for the future growth and development of the industry. This competition aims to acknowledge and reward the important contribution these Agri-entrepreneurs make to agriculture but also recognise the often understated contribution they make to their communities. Many of our young farmers are also benefiting the broader economy by creating employment opportunities in the development of innovative and alternative enterprises outside of the core farm business".
IFA President John Bryan said "policy incentives that facilitate the restructuring of farming must be a priority and young entrants should be given every encouragement as they embark on their career. It is critical that Government recognises the talent that exists within agriculture and promotes the kind of environment that will allow farmers starting out to fulfil their potential. IFA a founding father of the Young Farmer of the Year competition fully supports the initiative and urges farmers to get involved and receive recognition for their leadership and innovation."
The total prize fund for the 2010 '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 ddillon@macra.ie from local IFA or FBD offices, and by download from www.macra.ie and www.ifa.ie. The nomination and application forms will be available in next week’s Irish Farmers Journal. The Closing date for nominations is May 14th while the closing date for application is May 21st.