Award Categories


Lifetime Achievement

An individual that has demonstrated decades of service to agriculture and deserves extra special recognition for their outstanding achievements

Unsung Hero Award

A committed individual or rural-based group that has selflessly volunteered their time within the rural setting for the benefit of their community

Nature Friendly Farmer of the Year

Someone who champions a way of farming which is sustainable and good for nature. You may come from a range of backgrounds, big or small, organic or conventional, but you are passionate about ensuring that our countryside is productive and bursting with wildlife. You believe that farming and nature can go hand in hand, and enjoy raising awareness of nature friendly farming, sharing insights and experience and working with your local community for better food and farming policies

Key Agricultural Worker of the Year NEW

This category is seeking individuals, teams or businesses whose efforts during the coronavirus crisis inspired others in the agricultural community. People across our agri-industry here in Northern Ireland have shown their generosity and resourcefulness during the pandemic, with many helping to give something back.  We are looking for inspiring applications from/about those who have used creativity, connection, and community to navigate their survival in the face of adversity.  Please illustrate what the individual, team or business/organisation did for the local community or as part of the national agricultural efforts in supporting the Coronavirus pandemic. Feel free to include testimonials to support the entry, although this is not a requirement. - Show details of policies or specific activities that benefited the agri community - Explain what impact they had on the agri community with examples - Explain the benefits these policies/activities have brought to the agri community

Best Agri Impact of the Decade

This can be an individual, group, organisation, business or group that has made a strong impact on the farming industry over the past decade

Farmer of the Year

An inspiring farmer that is excelling in their field and is an example for others to follow

Young Farmer of the Year

Sponsored by
(40 years or under) A young farmer aged 40 years or under who has demonstrated excellence in agriculture that stands him or her out from their peers

Farm Diversification Award

A rural business that has grabbed their future with both hands and changed the course of their operations by embracing a diversification project that excels in its field and sustains their farming operations

Farming Family

An inspiring farming family that is excelling in their field and is an example for others

Innovation in Agriculture

Sponsored by
A progressive approach, which results in a significant performance or welfare improvement. This will be appropriate to the scale of the enterprise, perhaps showing innovation through new practices, the application of technology or something novel

Conservation & Environment Award

Sponsored by
Our diverse farm landscape is home to a multitude of resources, and it has never been more crucial to ensure that these are safeguarded in a sustainable manner for the future. This category is open to farmers and organisations with a focus on wider sustainable land resource management.  This may include maximising opportunities for carbon capture on farms through peatland restoration, wetland creation or afforestation; delivering good soil health or managing wetlands and other watercourses to minimise diffuse pollution risks, among other things. Show evidence that you have a proactive approach to enhancing the landscape using these and other similar methods. How does the nominee strive to promote sustainable land resource management?

Agri-Food Business of the Year

Sponsored by
All businesses in the agri-food sector are invited to enter, including manufacturers and retailers Describe the business and its products & demonstrate how you stand out from your competitors Please supply a sample of your product that best represents you and your entry

Artisan Producer of the Year

All businesses in the artisan producer sector are invited to enter Describe the business and its products & demonstrate how you stand out from your competitors Please supply a sample of your product that best represents you and your entry

Commitment to Training Award

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This category is open to an individual or company that can demonstrate their understanding of the importance of training and the subsequent impact of this on their job/work force.

Promotional Agricultural Initiative

This category is open to any agri-related promotional Initiative - Demonstrate how your initiative showcases the agri-industry - Describe its objectives and illustrate how it achieves these - Illustrate how your initiative engages with the agri-sector and wider general public - Outline its’ proudest wins and briefly explain future growth plans

Agricultural Retailer/Store

A farm retailer/store that can demonstrate outstanding success as a local employer and contributing to the rural economy and local community

Farm Safety Affiliate Award

The Person or organisation that has contributed the most in promoting health and safety in the farming community in the last year.

Woman of Excellence in Agriculture

Describe your involvement with the agricultural industry and community and how your story illustrates your role of women in the industry

Agricultural Student of the Year

Sponsored by
- Give examples that show your enthusiasm and positive attitude for the agricultural industry and advocacy for the study of agriculture - Demonstrate how you have developed your agricultural knowledge and skills during your current academic studies - Describe how you plan to use your agricultural qualifications and knowledge on completion of your studies - Describe the positive extra-curricular activities that you undertake.