The Scottish Agriculture Awards is open for entries for 2024. Businesses and individuals are invited to put themselves forward or nominate others to be considered across the 14 categories.
Once again The Scottish Farmer is partnering with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) and AgriScot to bring the biggest farming awards night in Scotland. The Glasgow based event on Thursday, October 24, is promising to be bigger and better in its second year following a hugely successful launch in 2023.
John Sleigh, The Scottish Farmer Editor said: "The Scottish Agriculture Awards is a brilliant celebration of everything that is great about our industry. The Scottish Farmer is thrilled to once again collaborate with AgriScot and the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland to host the best awards night of the year. This initiative fills a longstanding need to recognise the outstanding businesses and individuals that are at the heart of Scotland’s largest and most important sector.
"Following a hugely successful inaugural first night, we are planning an event that is bigger and better in year two. It has never been more important to celebrate excellence in farming as we bring new and young people into the industry while recognising the superb efforts of those already established. We are fortunate to be partnering with RHASS and AgriScot, who know exactly how to run a successful event. This year, we will once again deliver a night that mirrors the enthusiasm, professionalism, and hard work prevalent throughout our vibrant industry. A night of fun and celebration is hugely important amid recent political turmoil and global challenges.
"Throughout, farming has remained steadfast in meeting the nation’s food and drink needs. There has never been a better time to shout about success in farming and recognise those going the extra mile. This means we are looking for nominations from across Scotland from businesses of all shapes and sizes that are contributing to the sector. Through our shortlisting and awards, we aim to identify businesses and people making a difference in the countryside. From the traditional farm delivering renowned quality produce to the innovative startup disrupting the market with new thinking, we are looking to hear from all. So much brilliant work is conducted in the sector, and the awards are one of the best ways to recognise this excellence.
"I urge all of us to think of businesses and people who deserve recognition and have the ability to inspire others. Whittling down nominations to a shortlist then winner is no easy task, but rest assured, the selection is made by a panel of expert judges who certainly know a Charolais from a Charollais. This October, our event will serve as the perfect platform to showcase the achievements in farming and highlight the ingenuity and resilience of Scottish agriculture. It’s time for us to proudly champion our industry and be inspired by the very best."
Robert Neill, AgriScot Chairman commented: "Following a very successful collaboration last year to create the industry-wide Scottish Agriculture Awards with The Scottish Farmer and Royal Highland Agricultural Society (RHASS), we are delighted to see the awards launch for 2024. Building on the strength of working together with three significant and complementary organisations in Scottish agriculture, this year will provide an even greater platform to achieve and give recognition in the industry.
"We will again be leading on the Farm of the Year Awards, with the six categories of Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Arable, Diversified and Sustainable, organising and judging them as part of the wider programme of awards. AgriScot’s approach has always been to acknowledge and celebrate exemplary enterprises that are operating efficiently and effectively, innovating and looking to the future.
"It is through the generous input of our supporters and sponsors that we can seek out and give these businesses due recognition, and we continue to be very grateful to them for the opportunity to do this. The insights into the farm businesses and stories they have to tell, the lessons to be gained from the experiences and experimentation of those driving them, are fascinating and stimulating. It is a privilege to be able to explore these and to share them through case studies in The Scottish Farmer and on-farm events to enhance knowledge transfer with other farming businesses in this ever-changing agricultural, environmental and policy landscape.
"Those who enter the awards feed back to us what a beneficial exercise it proves to be; how it allows them to analyse their business, remind themselves of what they have achieved, which is often easy to forget, as well as the kudos it brings that can lead to new opportunities for greater revenue or practices.
"Working in partnership with RHASS and Scottish Farmer also allows us to hold a formal award ceremony, which last year was a glittering and hugely successful event, bringing together people from across the industry to network, enjoy each other’s company and share success stories. Following this ceremony, we are then further delighted to offer another opportunity for the winners to celebrate at AgriScot on 13 November 2024, when the Farm of the Year winners will be presented with their farm plaques.
"The success of these awards has been driven by the high calibre of individuals and businesses that apply, as well as of the prestige of the supporters and sponsors who make them happen, and we look forward to another compelling line up in 2024. I would urge farm businesses of all types and approaches, who are making achievements they are proud of, to put themselves forward. There’s nothing to lose, and plenty to gain."
Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive said: "The second edition of the Scottish Agriculture Awards will once again help us as an industry recognise the rich diversity and remarkable achievements within Scottish agriculture. RHASS, The Scottish Farmer, and AgriScot have long championed the need for additional avenues of recognition and the awards are a result of this. Building upon the success of last year’s inaugural Scottish Agriculture Awards, we are eager to once again shine a spotlight on the outstanding individuals and businesses propelling our industry forward.
"RHASS enters its 240th year in 2024, the charity was built on championing the successes and supporting the advancement of Scottish agriculture, and the Scottish Agriculture Awards align directly with this, and our core values. Amid unprecedented challenges and rapid transformations, Scottish agriculture continues to thrive.
"RHASS firmly believes that within the demanding realities of rural life, it’s essential to pause, reflect, and celebrate these successes. As entries open for this year’s awards, we’re eagerly anticipating another round of inspiring stories and exceptional achievements. Together, let’s celebrate the outstanding contributions of those shaping the future of Scottish agriculture."
Entries need to be complete in by Thursday, July 11.
For more information please contact Nina Holmes, Head of Events, on nina.holmes@newsquest.co.uk or visit https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/agriawards/
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