03/07/07
Natural England launched its 'Future of Farming Awards' scheme
at the Royal Show on 2 July. The new scheme will celebrate environmental
excellence and innovation in farming.
It will recognise those farmers who have made the greatest contribution
to both conserving England's special wildlife and landscapes whilst
helping people have greater access to our natural environment.
The Future of Farming Awards scheme was launched by Dr Helen Phillips,
Natural England's Chief Executive. Speaking at the Royal Show, Dr Phillips
said: "I'm delighted to announce the launch of the Natural England
'Future of Farming' Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in
English farming.
"The aim of the Awards is to recognise the achievements of farmers
who have set a new standard for environmentally friendly farming, and
provided inspiration to others. In essence, the Awards will highlight
the 'new' contract between society and farmers, in which farmers supply
public goods and services to the public."
A winner and runner up will be chosen in August from each of England's
nine regions by a regional judging panel made up of regional Natural
England specialists and representatives from the farming industry. A
national panel will select the overall winner, and runner up, to be announced
at a special event this autumn.
The criteria used for judging this year's award will reflect Natural
England's integrated approach to management of the natural environment.
Entrants will need to demonstrate:
- First-rate land management practices that boost biodiversity, public
access opportunities and landscape conservation.
- A good understanding
of the economic, social and environmental opportunities that
biodiversity, public access and landscape conservation brings.
- Pioneering
management of the natural environment in one of access, biodiversity
or landscape that sets a new standard for the future.
In future years Natural England will expand the Awards introducing
more categories to recognise other areas of environmental excellence.
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