RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards

Sustainable Farming Award Category 

Aim Of Award:

• This award celebrates individuals or farm families who are sustainably developing and diversifying their on-farm activities.

• It recognises entrepreneurial farmers who have created new income streams through initiatives such as agri-tourism, farm tours, educational experiences, on-farm accommodation, value-added products, innovative marketing, and improved efficiencies, strengthening both farm viability and rural communities.

 Prizes Available:

• The winner in this category will receive €2,000 and an RDS Spring Awards Trophy
• The runner-up will receive €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit

The deadline to apply is 13 March, 2026

The 2026 winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at the RDS Spring Awards in the RDS Concert Hall in April 2026.

Please note that only one entry is allowed per applicant. Please select the category which is most relevant to you. If the judges, consider that your entry is more appropriate to another category your application will be transferred.

Introduction 

Please provide a summary overview of your farm.

For example: Its history, and what are your future plans and ambitions. Description of farming activity e.g. size of farm, farming activity. If applicable areas under grass, arable land and forestry and any additional or alternative farm enterprises.

What are the economic highlights of your business?

For example: How are you adding value through product development and marketing, volume of output, how many jobs supported, impact on local economy/future economic viability of the farm, etc.

Please tell us what sustainable management practices you apply on your farm.

For example: What circular management practices do you employ on your farm? (the 3Rs of the Circular Economy are: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) i.e. Reduction in emissions, Increased energy efficiency, water conservation, how do you manage your premises and supply chain, etc. 

Please tell what measures you have adopted to support the environment on your farm.

For example: What have you done to increase biodiversity, improve water quality, carbon sequestration, rewilding, soil health, etc.

What can others learn from your example, and do you currently communicate and/or engage with the wider farming community to spread the benefits of sustainable best practice?

Please share any other information that you believe is relevant in helping us recognise you as an RDS sustainability champion.

Please note the judges may wish, but are not obliged, to arrange a site visit following a study of the completed entry form.

For further information please contact the RDS on 01 240 7215, or email agriculture@rds.ie

The data you provide in this form will be processed for your entry to the RDS Spring Awards. The RDS Spring Awards is an event run and managed by the RDS. The purpose for the processing of personal data relating to you (“Data”) is to assess and evaluate your entry. Processing of your Data is done with your consent, or pursuant to our contract, or for pre-contractual steps, or done in the legitimate interest of the RDS to assist in the provision of its chartable aims.

By providing your information, you confirm your agreement to this processing. Please note that you are responsible for informing the RDS of any subsequent changes to this Data. For further details of how we process your Data, the categories of persons to who we disclose your Data, and all other matters contained in Articles 12-14 of the General Data Protection Regulation, please visit www.rds.ie/privacy to view the RDS Privacy Policy.