Applicants wanted for Scotland’s ‘Diversified Farm of the Year’ award
9th August 2023
Farmers from all sectors who have invested in creating an additional income stream for their business are encouraged to enter Scotland’s ‘Diversified Farm of the Year 2023’ award, with the winner set to receive widespread recognition at the Scottish Agricultural Awards in October.
Applicants have until Monday 14th August to enter the competition, which is open to any Scottish farm and looks to celebrate businesses which have invested in time and resource into developing an additional income stream.
Judges are keen to see a wide range of applicants who can demonstrate excellent customer service, collaboration, support for their community and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape.
The award is sponsored by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), and is being offered for the third consecutive year. Last year’s winner was Ardross Farm of Fife, a 380-acre tenanted business run by the Pollock family, who farm a further 1,000 acres and grass lets on a contract basis.
With 120 cattle, 130 sheep, mixed cereals, beans and vegetables, they saw an opportunity to open their own farm shop, supplying produce direct to customers.
Claire Pollock will be on the judging panel for this year’s award and is urging farmers who are interested to enter the competition as soon as they can.
“We were thrilled to have won the AgriScot ‘Diversified Farm of the Year’ Award last time out, and it gave us a lot of confidence that we were on the right track in the development of the Ardross Farm project,” she said.
“We enjoy what we do, and we plan to do it better by expanding the farm shop and the offerings from our kitchen, growing more of our own vegetables, and trialling new varieties, whilst continuing to work with local businesses and raising the profile of the Scottish local food network.”
Sascha Grierson, principal consultant at SAC Consulting, said this year’s judges will be casting the net wide to attract and discover a range of different diversified businesses across the country.
“Whether your business is operating a meat box scheme, farm shop, vending machines, holiday cottage, wellness retreat, cookery school or clothing and textile business, to name but a few, they all contribute to Scotland’s economy.
“Winners and finalists will receive widespread recognition, offering the opportunity of new customers, increased sales and a chance to celebrate all they have achieved,” she added.
Shortlisted applicants will receive a visit from the judges, with the winners announced at an awards dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow. The evening includes a drinks reception, three course meal, entertainment, official event programme, evening networking and the awards presentation.
With only a few days left until applications close on 14th August, farmers are urged to get their entries in as soon as possible via the following link: https://agriawards.evessiocloud.com/AgriAwards2023/en/page/home
