 The deadline for the 2011 FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition has been extended to the 13th May 2011. The competition was launched locally recently in Monaghan. The aim of this prestigious competition, run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA, is to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country. 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. Speaking at the National launch Macra na Feirme 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.” Colm Smith, from sponsors FBD added “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.” Bert Stewart, from IFA, 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 Monaghan winner of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Award will receive a specially commissioned commemorative trophy and will go forward to represent the county in the national final, which takes place at the end of August. The overall winner of the competition wins a travel bursary worth €3,000. Application and nomination forms are available from Macra na Feirme training officers, local IFA or FBD offices, and can also be downloaded from www.macra.ie>. For more information please contact Barry McWilliams in Macra na Feirme national office on 01 426 8900. |
Tuesday, 03 May 2011 15:37