The Ballance Farm Environment Awards programme for 2019/2020 opens today
The Awards run in 11 regions throughout New Zealand and promote sustainable farming and growing
A new initiative by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust means farmers and growers can be nominated to enter the awards.
Farmers and growers in 11 regions throughout New Zealand have an exciting opportunity to be part of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (“BFEA”) with entries opening today.
The BFEA are managed by the charitable New Zealand Farm Environment Trust and promote sustainable farming and growing. The programme is supported by a range of leading agribusinesses and regional councils throughout the country.
Through the Awards programme, farmers and growers are invited to showcase, benchmark, and improve their operations through a constructive process where agribusiness professionals provide feedback, recommendations, and commendations.
The judges take a holistic approach to the feedback and award allocation process by evaluating every aspect of the farming/growing business from environmental management, productivity, and profitability through to family and community involvement.
This year, in a first for the BFEA, farmers and growers can be nominated to enter the Awards, provided they give their consent.
New Zealand Farm Environment Trust Chair Joanne van Polanen says: “We are proud and privileged to lead an Awards programme that recognises, encourages and incentivises sustainable farming and growing in New Zealand.
“The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are a way for farmers and growers to receive free and independent advice from rural professionals to help them improve the sustainability of their business. It is also a way of sharing positive stories, ideas, and resources with a wider audience.
“We already have some of the most efficient farmers in the world. Unlike many of our competitors, farmers are investing in environmental improvements without substantial government subsidies as is the case in many other countries. Imagine the possibilities as more farmers and growers commit to producing food and fibre sustainably for the world’s most discerning customers.”
To enter, visit www.nzfeatrust.org.nz from Thursday 1 August 2019. Entries are open until Thursday 31 October 2019. Comprehensive information about the process can also be found on the website.
Notes to Editors
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards promote sustainable farming and growing through an annual awards programme run throughout New Zealand.
The New Zealand Farm Environment Trust
The New Zealand Farm Environment Trust’s vision is for New Zealand’s farmers and growers to be recognised as global leaders in the stewardship of land and water. This stewardship involves balancing the environment, animals, plants, and people. Through its general mandate and major annual initiative – the Ballance Farm Environment Awards – the Trust’s purpose is to champion farming and growing practices that protect and enhance the environment for all.
www.nzfeatrust.org.nz / https://www.facebook.com/nzfarmenvironmenttrust/
For Interview/Media Requests
New Zealand Farm Environment Trust Communications Manager, Kate Pierson
P. 0274 280 110
E.
For Partnership/Sponsorship Enquiries
New Zealand Farm Environment Trust General Manager, James Ryan
P. 027 324 5517
E.
