Launch of the British Farming Awards 2020

ON FRIDAY, the British Farming Awards launched to salute the fantastic work taking place across UK agriculture.

Back for its eighth year, the 2020 event is brought to you by AgriBriefing, the parent company of Farmers Guardian, Arable Farming and Dairy Farmer, and is supported by Morrisons.

Celebrating the innovative, determined and extraordinary farmers across all sectors, the British Farming Awards showcase the diversity and adaptability of the UK’s farming community, no matter the size or scale of their business.

Alongside farming’s core sectors – dairy, beef, sheep, arable and machinery – there is also recognition in other valued groups such as family farms, students, new entrants, new agritechnology and the huge number of diversifications, which are now so crucial to many businesses.

Sophie Throup, Morrisons Head of Agriculture, said: ““In these unprecedented times, we would like to thank and celebrate the work of British farmers and growers who are helping to feed the nation.

“At Morrisons, we have always valued British farming and being able to buy products directly from farms for our stores and the many food banks who rely on us is now more important than ever.

“So, whatever form these awards take this year, it’s still a good time to pause and acknowledge the effort, innovation and skills which go into providing food farmed to high standards that we all enjoy.”

Farmers Guardian Editor, Ben Briggs, said: “Ensuring the country does not go hungry is what British farming has always done and this spring, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it is their efforts which will keep families fed and retail shelves full.

“But while the nation’s attention may have switched to where its food comes from, for most farmers that core objective of producing healthy, nutritious food has always been key.

“Agriculture has always been a vibrant and crucially important sector and the British Farming Awards has always sought to shine a light on the innovation, determination and excellence that makes our proud industry tick.

“We are pleased to welcome our sponsors and thank them for showing support of our British farmers.”

The closing date for entries is June 26.

■ For more information on applying or to nominate an individual for the British Farming Awards visit www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk