RHASS highlights the importance of the sector and the awards

As the Scottish Agriculture Awards grows closer, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland talks about the importance of the sector and the awards.

There has never been more of a need to shout about all the exemplary work that Scottish farmers and farming businesses do day in, day out, 365 days of the year.

The disconnect between consumers and where their food comes from is widely known and debated, and it can be easy for people to lose sight of the fantastic efforts the agricultural community are making every day to improve their sector. Alongside our industry peers, we are dedicated to tackling this disconnect and re-framing farming in the minds of the general public. This is where the Scottish Agriculture Awards come in.

It is vital that we showcase the hard work of farmers, growers and crofters across Scotland, both to highlight individual successes and the triumphs of our sector at large. In a time of so many challenges and road blocks, it is inspiring to see how farming individuals and businesses are facing them head-on and overcoming them. From working on their personal resilience skills to embracing smart technology, farmers have shown time and again that they are willing and ready to make changes that will advance the sector. A sustainable sector is one that is constantly learning and striving to improve, and these awards motivate and reward these efforts while showcasing them to consumers.

As champions of rural Scotland and all the people who live and work within it, the ethos of the Scottish Agriculture Awards perfectly aligns with the values of RHASS. Awards like this help support and drive the highest standards in agriculture, forestry and stewardship of the countryside, which are such an essential part of our heritage – and our future.

Throughout the organisation’s 239-year history, RHASS has been committed to rewarding excellence and innovation by presenting awards that reflect the sentiments contained in our Royal Charter – improvement, encouragement, benefit, communication, preservation and advancement. These sentiments are essential components of a sector that grows and develops in line with the advancement of society in general.

As an industry that consistently serves the nation, the efforts of our farmers and growers must be highlighted so that both their peers and consumers can see the lengths they are going to in order to make advancements. Throughout the highlands, lowlands and islands people produce our food and drink, manage and conserve our countryside and provide access for sport and recreation for millions. In a media landscape rife with misinformation, never has it been more important to celebrate the successes of those who are breaking new ground for Scottish agriculture and inspire the next generations of leaders and innovators.

RHASS Chief Executive, Alan Laidlaw, said: “The Scottish Agriculture Awards are exactly the recognition that our sector needs and deserves. Not only celebrating the success of the winning individuals and businesses, it will also shine a spotlight on the outstanding efforts farmers and growers are going to every day of the year. We are delighted to be creating these awards with The Scottish Farmer and AgriScot and look forward to witnessing the brilliant efforts of those that are leading the way for the future of rural Scotland.”

RHASS Chair, Jim Warnock, adds: “Events like the Scottish Agriculture Awards are so important when it comes to showing the dedicated efforts of those working in our industry. It really brings to life the incredible innovation that is taking place in farms up and down the country and brings all of these successes together in one place to be celebrated. Like with RHASS’s own awards, it is always so inspiring and rewarding to see the passion of individuals and businesses that are paving the way for the future of Scotland’s rural sector.”

The Scottish Farmer, AgriScot, and the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) are excited to proudly announce all the finalists to this year’s Scottish Agricultural Awards. The event taking place at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on October 26th, will see 35 finalists battle it out over 12 categories. There will also be an Unsung Hero award announced on the night.

The awards night will showcase the outstanding work of farmers, agricultural individuals, and businesses who are driving the industry forward and ensuring the sustainability and success of Scottish agriculture.

Stephen Buchan, Virgin Money Head of Agriculture for Scotland said: “The announcement of the finalists for all categories of the 2023 Scottish Agriculture Awards sets the scene for this unique celebration of excellence in Scottish Agriculture, and once again we are delighted to be supporting the Unsung Hero Award.

Sascha Grierson, Principal Consultant at SAC, said: “We are delighted to congratulate our three finalists in this year’s Diversified Farm of the Year award. Each of these businesses has diversified in unique and different ways, using their personal skills, and the natural assets that their working farms have to support their future vision.”

Kenneth Mackay, Head of Land and Rural at Thorntons, said: “Congratulations to each of the fantastic finalists. Fifty-five percent of Scotland’s agricultural land is dedicated to sheep farming so being shortlisted for Sheep Farmer of the Year is a tremendous achievement which awards ingenuity and resilience in a competitive field.”

Simon Harper, Director of Sales for GEA Farm Technologies, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the 2023 Scottish Agricultural Awards and be part of recognising and celebrating the best in Scottish agriculture. Congratulations to the finalists of the Dairy Farm of the Year. The standard of entries was fantastic and seeing the excellence in dairy farming operations and innovation is a credit to the finalists. GEA Farm Technologies and our Scottish dealer DairyFlow work closely with dairy farmers to supply, install, and maintain dairy farming technology across Scotland.”

The directors at Polycrub would like to extend our warm congratulations to all the finalists. “We’re delighted to sponsor the Sustainable Agriculture Award as the ethos mirrors our company values in making the best use of resources. Our directors all come from a crofting background, so we very much understand the need to manage and care for our land in a way that means we pass it on to future generations in a state that allows them to meet their needs.”

SoilEssentials Ltd said “Congratulations to all the finalists in the Arable Farm of the Year category! Your exceptional standards and hard work have propelled you to this well-deserved recognition. The journey to this point illustrates your dedication and passion for your farming business and we wish you all the best of luck. We are eagerly anticipating the awards event and will have the opportunity to meet you in person on that special night.”