Winners of 2022 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards Revealed RDS celebrate innovative Irish farmers, foresters and agri-entrepreneurs Awards highlight climate-smart agriculture in practice

Friday, May 6 – The 2022 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards presentation took place today in Dublin. With a total prize fund of €29,000, the awards celebrate and promote the principles of climate-smart agriculture in Ireland. Thirteen Award winners were announced over three main categories: Forestry, Livestock and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.

Speaking at the RDS, Minister Hackett said: “As an organic farmer myself, I see first-hand the climate, biodiversity and water quality benefits of sustainable farming and forestry.  I understand the hard work involved, but also the pride and satisfaction that goes with practising climate-smart farming and forestry. I’m always fascinated to visit other farms to see how farmers are innovating, so I am delighted to be here in the RDS today to recognise the wonderful work being done by our award winners and their dedication to climate-smart agriculture.”

According to RDS President, Professor J. Owen Lewis: “It is more important than ever to recognise the work of our farmers, foresters and agri-entrepreneurs, who are contributing to the sustainable development of Irish agriculture, which remains the most important industry in rural Ireland. This year’s Spring Agriculture and Forestry Award winners have achieved a balance between the economic and environmental needs of the sector and are highlighting what is possible when experience is combined with innovation and dedication.”  

The 2022 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Award recipients are:

RDS Forestry and Woodland Awards

• Production Forestry Award – Seaforde Estate, Co. Down
• Teagasc Farm Forestry Award – Cathal Rudden, Co. Cavan
• Community Woodlands Award – The Lord’s Wood, Co. Wicklow

RDS Livestock Awards

• Economic Breeding Index Award (Best Dairy Cow) – Ballygown PKK Lucy EX91 owned by Seamus Knox, Co. Kilkenny
• Euro-Star Index Award (Best Beef Cow) – Moondharrig Flora owned by Liam Walsh, Co. Kilkenny
• Dairy Herd Index Award – Tom Garry, Co. Clare
• Beef Herd Index Award – Tommy Quinlan, Co. Kilkenny
• LambPlus Breeders Index Award – Anne Murphy, Co. Wexford

RDS Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Awards

• Sustainable Farming Award – Edward T. Hanbidge, Co. Wicklow
• Sustainable Agri Start-Up Award – Vanessa B. Woods Communications, Co. Meath
• Sustainable Rural Enterprise Award – Oriel Sea Salt, Co. Louth
• Sustainable Rural Innovation Award – Teresa Roche, Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese, Co. Galway
• Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award – Slí Eile Farm, Mallow, Co. Cork

Professor Lewis added: “The RDS wishes to thank Minister Hackett and acknowledge the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for these awards, in particular for their continued sponsorship of the Forestry Award category. Increased carbon sequestration through effective forestry management is recognised as one of the most effective tools available in tackling climate change and in promoting sustainable agriculture. These Awards recognise those who are setting the standard for others to follow in this regard. What they have been able to achieve is an inspiration to all involved in the future development of Irish agriculture.”

For more information on the RDS Spring Awards, visit: www.rds.ie/agriculture

 

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