Facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFE), the awards promote sustainable land management by showcasing the work of people farming in a way that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
Held in nine regions, the awards are open to all farming and horticultural types.
NZFE chairman Alistair Polson said all farmers, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, should consider entering.
“Most people enter because they want feedback on how their farming operation stacks up in terms of environmental and economic sustainability,” he said.
“Entrants receive valuable advice from competition judges and other participants on how to improve the sustainability of their businesses.”
Polson said many past entrants have also said their involvement in the competition has helped their personal development.
The awards cover a wide range of categories so farmers performing well in one specific area have a chance of picking up a category award.
Supreme winners from each region are honoured at NZFE’s annual Sustainability Showcase, where a national winner is announced.
