The search is on to find the very best farmers on the Isle of Man as the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture launches the nomination process for this years’ award, which is again sponsored by Manx Food retailer Shoprite.  There are two categories:  the Tomorrows’ Farmers Award and the Judges Special Award for a Young Farmer. In both cases, the award recognises and rewards farmers who are committed to the future of the agricultural industry on the Island.

Nominations should be made before the 30th March 2012, giving a brief reason for the chosen nomination and describing how the farmer meets the awards’ selection criteria which are:

• Farming efficiently and profitably
• Being market focused
• Local food promotion
• Diversification and Conservation

Nominations should be sent to Aud
rey Fowler, Marketing Officer, DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale, Isle of Man IM4 3AS or email: audrey.fowler@gov.im
DEFA Minister Phil Gawne, MHK said: “These awards not only aim to showcase the best farmers in the Isle of Man but provide an opportunity to share best practice, to inspire others and to let people know more about the hard work that goes into producing the quality produce that we can all enjoy every day.  The award is a chance to celebrate all that is good about Manx farming and give individuals the chance to shine. We have some excellent Manx farmers so we look forward to receiving plenty of nominations”.
Gareth Cromie, Fresh Market Place Manager at Shoprite, commented:
“These awards are hugely important for the Isle of Man as they recognise quality production which Shoprite prides itself on as well as encouraging future generations of farmers on the Isle of Man. Supporting local production is hugely beneficial to the Isle of Man as it stimulates the local economy as well as providing long term sustainability and traceability in our food stock.”

Last year’s winners were Andrew Sanders and family from Ballalough Farm, West Baldwin and Juan Hargraves, The Views Dairy Farm, Port Erin. These farmers cannot be nominated for an award this year.
The judges will be: Minister Phil Gawne, MHK; Gareth Cromie from Shoprite; the SAC Agricultural Adviser; the Vice President of the Manx NFU and the President of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.  A shortlist will be selected from the entries and farms will then be visited by the judges in July.  The winners will be revealed at the Award ceremony, which will take place at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, on Friday 10th August 2012.

-ENDS-