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Farmers and growers keen on showcasing and getting support for their sustainability efforts are being invited to enter the 2025 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The annual awards are run by the NZ Farm Environment Trust to recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in sustainable farming and growing, and they are open to anyone making a living from agriculture, horticulture or viticulture.
Trust general manager Sarah Harris said entries were welcome regardless of where people were on their sustainability journey.
“Being part of the awards programme is an excellent way to gain constructive feedback on your business, help identify your strengths and learn from others who are passionate about the food and fibre sector,” she said.
The judging process involves rural peers and agribusiness professionals evaluating entire farm systems, including water and soil management, climate stewardship, biodiversity, waste management, team and community wellbeing, business health, biosecurity and animal care.
If that sounds daunting, it shouldn’t, according to this year’s Auckland supreme winner, Pukekohe orchid grower Peter Rensen.
“Don’t be scared of the initial process,” he said. “It actually makes you able to look at yourself and what you have achieved from a different perspective, from a better perspective, from an outside perspective; I think that was the best thing for me.”
The awards also feature a Catchment Group Showcase, which celebrates rural communities working together to improve water quality, promote good on-farm practices and sustainable land management, while encouraging positive environmental and farmer wellbeing outcomes.
Entries are open until October, with initial farm visits taking place before the end of the year and the winners announced in March.
Info and entries: Visit https://nzfeawards.org.nz/
