Applications sought for 2011 FBD Young Farmer of the Year

THE search for the 2011 FBD Young Farmer of the Year is now under way.

Applications are sought from young farmers throughout Ireland who are actively involved in the running of a farm.

The competition was launched this week by Macra na Feirme, the IFA and sponsors FBD.

The aim of the competition, run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA, is to recognise and reward the top young Irish farmers.

Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria, including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and community involvement.

Macra national president, Michael Gowing, said: “Macra na Feirme established the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition 13 years ago alongside the IFA. The competition is now renowned for recognising the best young farmers in Ireland.

“The competition reflects the dynamic, innovative and strong young leaders that exist in agriculture. We have seen, time and again, that agriculture is the cornerstone of the Irish indigenous export industry and the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food must continue to ensure that young farmers are recognised for their contribution and given appropriate support.”

FBD’s company secretary, Conor Gouldson, said the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition is a significant event in FBD’s calendar.

“It is always so encouraging to see the new talent, energy and innovation which emerges. This competition showcases all that is good about Ireland’s young farmers and FBD is delighted to continue its long standing sponsorship of this event,” he said.

IFA president John Bryan said: “It is vital that we acknowledge the many highly educated young people who have embarked on a successful career in farming, although as a country we face challenging times, agriculture is the backbone of the economy.

“Policy incentives that facilitate the restructuring of farming must be a priority and young entrants should be given every encouragement as they embark on their career, the IFA fully supports the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition and urges farmers to get involved and receive recognition for their leadership and innovation.”

The total prize fund for the 2011 FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition is €10,000. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place.

Anyone who nominates a young farmer will go into a draw for two nights B&B for two adults in any FBD hotel, including dinner on one night.

Forms are available from Macra na Feirme national office by phoning 01-426 8900, from your local IFA or FBD offices and for download on www.macra.ie and www.ifa.ie.

The closing date for applications and nominations is May 6.