FMG extends support for resilient farming through BFEA

FMG has strengthened its commitment to recognising and supporting resilient farming by joining the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) as a National Sponsor from 2026.

The rural insurer will present the FMG Risk Management Award, recognising farmers and growers who have proactively identified, assessed and managed risks that could impact their business, helping to minimise potential harm and strengthen resilience. The award covers all aspects of farm planning and people management, including physical, business, and financial risk management.

FMG has previously sponsored this award in the Canterbury and the Bay of Plenty regions, but from 2026 the award will be offered in all eleven BFEA regions across the country.

New Zealand Farm Environment Trust General Manager Sarah Harris says FMG’s extended sponsorship strengthens the programme’s focus on resilience and good farm management as foundations of long-term sustainability.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to the future of farming in Aotearoa. FMG’s deep connection to the rural sector and longstanding support for farming communities, combined with our mission to champion sustainable farming and growing, creates a strong and meaningful partnership.”

FMG Chief Marketing Officer Pete Frizzell says the partnership builds on FMG’s ongoing commitment to helping farmers and growers understand and manage risk so they can build stronger, more resilient businesses.

“Advising farmers and growers so they understand and can manage their risks to protect what is important to them, and so they can thrive and grow, is at the heart of what we do. This sponsorship is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who are leading the way in risk management.

“At FMG we believe in doing good for the country and the planet so we’re proud to support achievement and good practice through NZ Farm Environment Trust’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.”

About the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust:

The New Zealand Farm Environment Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable farming and growing practices within New Zealand’s primary sector. Through education, connection and collaboration, the Trust empowers farmers to adopt practices that enhance environmental sustainability, protect natural resources and support thriving rural communities.

About the Ballance Farm Environment Awards:

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards celebrate and showcase sustainable farming and growing practices and provide a unique, pan-sector forum for knowledge sharing among farmers and growers, agribusiness professionals and the wider community. Run in eleven regions nationwide, the programme looks at the whole farm system, providing valuable feedback to farmers and growers and recognising leadership and innovation in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic sustainability.