The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) is inviting nominations for the 2016 Tomorrow’s Farmer Award, which is supported by retailer Shoprite.
Nominations should carry a brief overall reason and describe how the farmer:
• Practices efficient and profitable farming
• Meets consumer demands with their produce
• Promotes locally produced food
• Shows innovation/diversification
• Farms in ways that conserves the environment.
Nominations should be sent to Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer, DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS or email audrey.fowler@gov.im by Friday 25th March.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘The award recognises farmers who have an eye on the future, with a positive outlook and a clear business focus.
‘The Isle of Man Government is aiming to grow the value of the Isle of Man’s food and drink industry by ?50 million in the next decade and farmers will play a key role in the success of this strategy.
‘Tomorrow’s farmers are maintaining a keen interest in the market place, diversifying to meet consumers’ demand and creating products the Isle of Man can be proud of.’
John Speakman, Senior Buyer for Shoprite, commented: ‘Shoprite is pleased to be associated with the Tomorrow’s Farmer Award as it recognises the best of the local producers who provide us with the high quality local products that we require to serve our customers.
‘We see it as a way to encourage farmers to seek to produce the very best food products to meet the growing demand from shoppers. Supporting local production is beneficial to the Isle of Man economy as well as providing long-term sustainability and traceability in our food supply.’
Last year’s winners were Tim and Maria Johnston of Ballavarry Farm, Andreas, and David Collister of Southampton Farm, Santon. They cannot be nominated this year.
The award will be judged by the Minister, Mr Speakman, Mr Johnston, Dr Peter McEvoy, Director of Agriculture with DEFA, Brian Brumby, President of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, and Allan Craine, President of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.
They will visit farms that make the shortlist and the winners will be revealed on Friday 12th August at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show. They will receive ?200 in Shoprite vouchers, trophies and certificates.
Photo - left to right, Minister Ronan, David, Judith, Isla and Lauren Collister, Maria, Tim, Ellie and Ben Johnston and Mr Speakman.
