Building on a name from the past, but firmly focused on the future of the rural Ireland, the RDS Spring Awards wish to recognise the very best farmers, foresters, agri-entrepreneurs and innovators from around the country. With a closing date of February 7 fast approaching, the RDS is calling on potential applicants to enter now for their chance to share in the €23,000 prize fund.
In addition to the established livestock and forestry awards, the RDS last year introduced a new Sustainability Awards category that celebrates the work of individuals, farm families and organisations who are enhancing the economic, environmental and social development of Irish agriculture and rural communities.
There are three prizes under this category:
- Sustainable Farming
- Sustainable Rural Enterprise
- Sustainable Rural Innovation
In addition to receiving a specially commissioned trophy the winner in each category will receive a cheque for €2,000 from the RDS, with a runner-up in each category receiving €1,000.
Michael Duffy, Chief Executive of the RDS commented on the new emphasis of the awards. “Everyone is now much more aware of our collective and individual responsibilities towards creating a sustainable future. In rural Ireland there are excellent examples of putting sustainability principles into practice; examples that deserve to be highlighted and learned from, which is want we want to achieve through these awards. I would encourage anyone who has taken steps in to make their farm or rural enterprise more sustainable to put themselves forward and join us this Spring.”
All those shortlisted will be invited to the 2020 RDS Spring Awards Lunch, which will take place in the RDS Concert Hall, Ballsbridge on Tuesday, April 14, where this year’s winners will be announced.
Speaking about the history and occasion of the event, Michael Duffy went on to say: “The Spring Awards evoke so many fond memories of the Spring Show for many people, and we see this event as building upon that legacy. The lunch itself is a gathering of innovative practitioners from across the farming, forestry and rural enterprise sectors, all of whom have a vital part to play in maintaining a vibrant rural Ireland.”
Application forms are available at www.rds.ie/springawards, by contacting agriculture@rds.ie or by telephoning 01 240 7215.
2020 RDS Spring Awards Categories
Sustainable Farming Sustainable Living Awards
Sustainable Farming: This award celebrates the efforts made by an individual or farm family who are sustainably developing their on-farm activities through entrepreneurship, new product development, marketing, and improved efficiencies.
2019 Sustainable Farming Winner: Ailbhe Gerard, Brookfield Farm, Co. Tipperary
Sustainable Rural Enterprise: This award recognises individuals and organisations who are making a significant contribution to the economic, environmental, and social development, of rural Ireland.
2019 Sustainable Rural Enterprise Winner: Leahy’s Open Farm, Co. Cork
Sustainable Rural Innovation Award: This award recognises individuals and organisations who have applied science and technology to help deliver the principles of climate-smart agriculture such as greater efficiency, reduced waste and increased profitability.
2019 Sustainable Rural Innovation Winner: Smart Farming Programme, the Irish Farmers Association
Livestock Awards
Economic Breeding Index (EBI) Award - Best Dairy Cow
Euro-Star Replacement Index Award - Best Beef Cow
Dairy Herd Index Award
Beef Herd Index Award
LambPlus Breeders Index Award
Nominations for these Awards are received from ICBF and Sheep Ireland
The RDS-Forest Service Irish Forest and Woodland Awards
Production Forestry
Teagasc Farm Forestry Award
Community Woodlands
The 2020 forestry categories are closed for entry. The award winners will be announced at the Spring Awards event. The 2021 call for entries will be launched in May 2020.
