YOFGY – Young Organic Farmer/Grower of the Year Award
ORC, the UK’s leading independent organic research organisation, continually aspires to grow its network in the agricultural community and develop innovative solutions that enhance the changing farming landscape.
In 2021 ORC launched the Young Organic Farmer of the Year (YOFY) to encourage the emergence of a new generation of organic farmers and growers.
Meet the winners!
We found it impossible to compare the best of the farmers and the best of the growers, so this year we have decided to give two awards.
What we saw in all the entries was a real passion for what was being produced and a pride in manifold achievements, the principle one being the efficient production of healthy organic food. We also saw a commitment to the wider world, whether it was through education, good employment practices or conservation – of the soil, wildlife or landscape.
Adam Beer and Rita Oldenbourg at Pitney Farm Market Garden stood out for their exceptional standard of growing and innovation, producing great quality vegetables for the local community. They put into practice the organic principles in running a very successful, well-established business, providing employment for several staff on a remarkably small area of land.
Chris Gospel in Aberdeenshire was notable for the very high standard of organic farming, running a traditional beef, sheep and arable system but developing that with novel crops, sometimes intersown, and processing of organic rape seed oil, branded as Or.Ganic and sold in certain specialist shops. Animal welfare is a high priority, biodiversity is well integrated into the farming system, and he provides a great opportunity for students and others to learn from his experiences.
2023 – 24
Dates for your diary
DEC 2023
LAUNCH / OPEN FOR ENTRIES
10TH MAY 2024
ENTRIES CLOSED
MAY - JUNE 2024
JUDGING
W/C 24TH JUNE 2024
ANNOUNCE FINALISTS PUBLICLY
2ND JULY 2024
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT NOC, KINGSCLERE ESTATE
Nominations
Nominations are now sought for an individual who is:
Young – nominees should be less than 40 years old on 31st December 2024
Organic – nominations should centre around the adoption of organic principles even though the nominee may not be producing or working with organically certified produce
Farmer – nominees should be working in and for the organic community; they may be employed by farmers or organisations within the sector even if they do not class themselves as farmers.
The Winner
The winner of the award will be selected through a small panel convened by the ORC to include members of the ORC team, Trustees and members of the farming community. The panel may also choose to award commendations to further nominees.
The ORC are offering the 2024 YOFGY award winner a £1,500 donated cash prize.
Interested in starting out in organic farming?
Organic agriculture relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.
Did you know that we are a charity?
We rely on donations to help fund our work. With your support we can: help more people transition to naturally healthy and resilient farming systems; boost food security, help to encourage wildlife to flourish in our countryside and take positive action in the climate crisis.
