Devon Farm Business Awards 2023
As we embrace the New Year, it’s a time of optimism and hope, and it also presents an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed. Despite the ongoing challenges, there has been continuing success and inspiration within the agricultural sector. The Addington Fund’s 10th Devon Farm Business Awards offers a perfect opportunity to showcase the very best in farming – celebrating those enthusiastic, innovative and pioneering agriculturalists often unrecognised.
The glittering Awards dinner will be held at the Devon County showground on Wednesday 17 May 2023. An evening of fun, celebration and delicious dining is assured, all in support of an invaluable farming charity.
Commenting on winning the 2022 “Best Farmer of the Year” award, Chris Berry explained “We put everything into our farming businesses, challenge ourselves daily and dare to change, to improve what we do for a greater future for those around us. So, to come together and celebrate our achievements and be recognised for work we do, in the company of so many leading farming friends, peers and sponsors, makes for a truly awesome evening whilst at the same time raising money and awareness for a fantastic charity! You never know when you or others may need the help and support from the Addington Fund, so it’s vital we help them so they can help others. That in itself is rewarding too.
“I’d say to anyone who knows of someone doing great things (including themselves), to get on and nominate in to one of the many great farming categories. At the very least you'll have a great night with the best company and you never know it may be your name up among the worthy winners!"
Nominations for the Devon Farm Business Awards are invited before Sunday 26 February 2023: Below are the categories you can enter: (nomination button at the end of this article)
• Best Commercial Farmer
• Best Woman in Agriculture
• Farm Diversification Award
• Best Farm Processor (category sponsorship available)
• Best Dairy Farmer
• Best Young Farmer (up to 35 years of age)
• Best Sustainable Farming Initiative
• Farming Champion
The final winner of each category listed will be automatically entered in to “Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2023”. Devon’s Farmer of the Year will be carefully chosen by a select number of judges involved with the Addington Fund Awards process
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Bill Young, CEO of the Addington Fund at the Devon Farm Business Awards 2022 at the Devon County Showground.
“The Devon Farm Business Awards continue to be a highlight of the farming year” explains Bill Young, CEO of the Addington Fund, “we hope that winners and role models like Chris will inspire many more individuals and farm businesses to showcase the incredible work that they do. Recognition for their hard work and determination is the least that farmers deserve, but we are certain that the awards also help to raise awareness and encourage support for British Farming.
“Away from the glitz and glamour, at the Addington Fund, we are not only here to support those who succeed in agriculture but those who need help either with housing, disaster relief, hardship or even to get into the industry itself - and as a truly sustainable charity we are in pole position to deliver. Supporting our charity via the Devon Farm Business Awards or simply donating to the Addington Fund allows us to continue helping our farmers when times hit hard; your support is invaluable.”
Peter Beaumont, Managing Director for Cornish Mutual said: “It’s been a challenging year for farmers with exceptionally high costs and extremes in weather, but one faced resolutely to ensure farming in Devon continues to go from strength to strength. As Principal Sponsor, we are delighted to once again be working with the Addington Fund to support this notable event and celebrate agriculture across the county.
“Cornish Mutual remains committed to protecting the farming community. Our #CMFuture Farming programme assists farmers in every area of their work including sustainability. Last year our new ‘Best Sustainable Farming Initiative’ award illustrated the outstanding advances being made to secure personal, business and environmental sustainability. At the centre of farming today, this award supports Devon farmers creating a resilient future.”
With special thanks to the Devon County Agricultural Association for kindly donating the marquee, and thanks to our farming category sponsors: PKF Francis Clark, Trowers & Hamlins LLP, Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants, Crediton Dairy, Savills, Cornish Mutual, NFU and Mole Valley Farmers.
Thank you for supporting the Addington Fund.