RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards

Sustainable Rural Innovation Award Category 

Aim Of Award:

• This award recognises individuals and organisations who have applied science and technology to produce an innovative product, process, service or alternative farm or forestry enterprise to help deliver the principles of climate-smart sustainable agriculture such as greater efficiency, reduced waste, decreased emissions, added value, increased profitability and economic viability of the farm/enterprise.

 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 business or organisation.

For example:

1. Nature of enterprise (a short description of goods produced or services provided)
2. Length of time in business
3. Volume of output, /annual turnover
4. How many jobs supported
5. Area where goods or services are sold or provided (e.g., local, regional, national or international area)
6. What was the catalyst, or inspiration, behind this innovation and what are your future plans and ambitions.

What are the current and potential benefits of the application of this innovation, on farm, or throughout Ireland?

For example: What is unique about this innovation, identifying new or alternative opportunities in the bioeconomy, technology to make rural enterprises more carbon efficient/environmentally friendly and economically viable, is this innovation scalable and sustainable, etc.

Please tell us what sustainable management practices you apply in your business or organisation.

For example: What circular management practices do you employ? (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 wider sustainable development of rural Ireland.

For example: How are you helping to build a vibrant and sustainable rural Ireland, measures to enhance the long term viability of rural Ireland.

What can others learn from your example, and do you currently communicate and/or engage with the wider rural 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.