As the Scottish Agriculture Awards grows closer, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland talks about the importance of the sector and the awards.

There has never been more of a need to shout about all the exemplary work that Scottish farmers and farming businesses do day in, day out, 365 days of the year.

The disconnect between consumers and where their food comes from is widely known and debated, and it can be easy for people to lose sight of the fantastic efforts the agricultural community are making every day to improve their sector. Alongside our industry peers, we are dedicated to tackling this disconnect and re-framing farming in the minds of the general public. This is where the Scottish Agriculture Awards come in.

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It is vital that we showcase the hard work of farmers, growers and crofters across Scotland, both to highlight individual successes and the triumphs of our sector at large. In a time of so many challenges and road blocks, it is inspiring to see how farming individuals and businesses are facing them head-on and overcoming them. From working on their personal resilience skills to embracing smart technology, farmers have shown time and again that they are willing and ready to make changes that will advance the sector. A sustainable sector is one that is constantly learning and striving to improve, and these awards motivate and reward these efforts while showcasing them to consumers.

As champions of rural Scotland and all the people who live and work within it, the ethos of the Scottish Agriculture Awards perfectly aligns with the values of RHASS. Awards like this help support and drive the highest standards in agriculture, forestry and stewardship of the countryside, which are such an essential part of our heritage – and our future.

Throughout the organisation’s 239-year history, RHASS has been committed to rewarding excellence and innovation by presenting awards that reflect the sentiments contained in our Royal Charter - improvement, encouragement, benefit, communication, preservation and advancement. These sentiments are essential components of a sector that grows and develops in line with the advancement of society in general.

RHASS has a historic commitment to championing progress in agriculture, through its spectrum of awards and grants. The organisation was founded in 1784 to promote the regeneration of rural Scotland, as well as the preservation of its poetry, language and music. RHASS accolades, such as the Technical Innovation Awards and the Sir William Young Award, are designed to acknowledge and honour the industry innovators who are making strides to change Scottish agriculture and its allied industries for the better. So, it comes as no surprise that RHASS are supporting the Scottish Agriculture Awards alongside the Scottish Farmer and AgriScot, who also work hard to promote and advance our sector.

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Now and in the future, these awards will recognise those individuals and businesses that are paving the way for the next generation. In a time of constant change, the most dangerous thing anyone can do is stand still – that’s why it is crucial that progress is motivated by awards like these. From an award for the first ploughing implement to the self-driving tractors on display at the Royal Highland Show this year, our sector is constantly developing and we shouldn’t be shy about showing it!

As an industry that consistently serves the nation, the efforts of our farmers and growers must be highlighted so that both their peers and consumers can see the lengths they are going to in order to make advancements. Throughout the highlands, lowlands and islands people produce our food and drink, manage and conserve our countryside and provide access for sport and recreation for millions. In a media landscape rife with misinformation, never has it been more important to celebrate the successes of those who are breaking new ground for Scottish agriculture and inspire the next generations of leaders and innovators.

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RHASS Chief Executive, Alan Laidlaw, said: “The Scottish Agriculture Awards are exactly the recognition that our sector needs and deserves. Not only celebrating the success of the winning individuals and businesses, it will also shine a spotlight on the outstanding efforts farmers and growers are going to every day of the year. We are delighted to be creating these awards with The Scottish Farmer and AgriScot and look forward to witnessing the brilliant efforts of those that are leading the way for the future of rural Scotland."

RHASS Chair, Jim Warnock, adds: “Events like the Scottish Agriculture Awards are so important when it comes to showing the dedicated efforts of those working in our industry. It really brings to life the incredible innovation that is taking place in farms up and down the country and brings all of these successes together in one place to be celebrated. Like with RHASS’s own awards, it is always so inspiring and rewarding to see the passion of individuals and businesses that are paving the way for the future of Scotland’s rural sector.”