sponsored by
The award
The Business Action Farming & Agricultural Award celebrates farming and agricultural businesses in North Devon.
Farming is a strategic industry for the UK and vital to establishing food security for the population. Farming is one of the most ancient industrial activities and played a fundamental role in shaping the towns and villages of North Devon, many developing around livestock, meat and vegetable markets where produce was traded. Farmers continue to maintain the North Devon landscape, especially under threat from human development which is not always sympathetic either to nature or our invaluable culture.
The Farming & Agricultural Award recognises North Devon businesses who contribute to the local economy and community through producing high quality food, crops and other produce, while preserving the land for future generations. It also takes into account the challenges the farming sector faces through extensive regulation, bureaucracy and taxation.
We’re looking for farmers who produce first-class meat, dairy and arable crops, fly the flag for North Devon through food, drink and agricultural products, improve viability through diversifying into tourism or other activities, support local communities, preserve the landscape, maintain wildlife and practise sustainability. Activities can range from livestock, poultry, fish, dairy, cereal, vegetable or fruit farming to operating market gardens and growing vines, flowers, herbs or other specialised crops. They can include diversification into other activities.
We’re looking for family farms, young farmers, long-established and new farms, organic farms, fisheries – all who commit to keeping this remarkable industry thriving in North Devon.
Finalists
The finalists in the Farming & Agriculture Award 2025 are:
- Bateman Engineering
- Marwood Milk
- Mother Clucking Farm
- Quince Honey Farm
Congratulations!
Book your tickets for the Awards Celebration now!
NFU Mutual Barnstaple, Bideford & Halwill
NFU Mutual Barnstaple, Bideford & Halwill Agency is proud to sponsor the North Devon Agriculture & Farming Award. We are delighted to be offered the opportunity to be involved with these awards, recognising and celebrating the success of local businesses across North Devon.
We have been impressed with the breadth and quality of the entrants and feel that the judges will have some difficult decisions to make.
With over a century of experience, NFU Mutual has been part of the fabric of the local community for many years and it is an important part of who we are. Our friendly agency teams in Barnstaple and Halwill takes pride in establishing direct and long-lasting relationships with customers, many of whom are businesses across North Devon who value a personal approach and excellent customer service.
■ Call us on 01271 343592/01409 220191 or visit our offices at Lauder Lane, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple, EX31 3TA or NFU House, Station Road, Halwill Junction, Beaworthy, EX21 5XB
Criteria
The judges are looking for evidence of at least one of the criteria below. You don’t have to meet all – just use them as a guide for your entry – what’s most important is for you to tell your story!
- Production of outstanding livestock or produce of any kind
- Exceptional husbandry including animal care, disease and pest prevention, and land management
- Preservation of rural culture through practices and skills
- Adoption of new techniques and technology to improve productivity and reduce waste
- Investment in developing skills and nurturing young workers
- Business diversification to improve viability
- Commitment to the environment, wildlife and sustainability
- Reputation as a first-class North Devon producer
- Pillar of the local community
Who can enter?
The Farming & Agricultural Award is open to any business operating a farm or agricultural business in North Devon, including livetsock, poultry or arable farms, market gardens, vineyards, fish farms or other.
Category rules for entry
Please follow the category rules below, which also include useful suggestions on how to ensure your entry showcases achievements in the best possible light.
- You can enter your own business or another business for this award.
- This award is for any farming or agricultural business in or near North Devon.
- Ensure you read the awards terms and conditions.
- Read the criteria and the questions on the form below in advance so that you understand what the judges are looking for and tailor your answers to these.
- There is no restriction on how much information you can provide in your answers, although please ensure that anything you say is relevant to this award. The questions are deliberately open to enable you to submit the best possible entry and the examples given are purely illustrative. Add any other information you feel is important to highlight success.
- Provide as much detail and evidence as possible to back up your claims, including relevant links to web sites and videos.
- Write and save your answers in a note-making or word-processing app first and copy them into the form below. This ensures you do not lose anything you have taken a long time to write.
- Attach any files, eg customer compliments or images of products, to support your entry.
- The closing date for entries is 23:59 on Monday 3 March 2025.
