The RDS is calling on all farmers to submit their entries for the spring awards now, ahead of the 7 February closing date.

The awards are designed to celebrate farmers, foresters, agri entrepreneurs and agricultural innovators. Entrants have a chance to win a share in the €23,000 total prize fund.

A new sustainability awards category was introduced last year, alongside the forestry and livestock awards. The sustainability category celebrates the work of those who are enhancing the economic, social and environmental development of Irish agriculture and rural communities.

There are three awards under this category:

  • Sustainable farming.
  • Sustainable rural enterprise.
  • Sustainable rural innovation.
  • Winners

    The winners in each category will win a trophy and €2,000, while each runner-up will receive €1,000.

    “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,” said RDS chief executive Michael Duffy.

    He has encouraged anyone who has taken steps to make their farm or enterprise more sustainable to put themselves forward.

    Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the 2020 RDS spring awards lunch which will take place in the RDS Concert Hall, Ballsbridge, on Tuesday 14 April, where the winners will be announced.

    For more information on the awards and application forms, click here.