“We’ve been blown away by the extraordinary results people are achieving around the country and we can't wait to share some of their stories,” awards spokeswoman Nicole Masters, of the Association of Biological Farmers (ABF), said.
In response to the positive feedback for this year’s awards and requests to add some more categories, two new judging sections have been included:
- Paddock to Plate – recognising businesses that promote and provide quality food to consumers. Judges will consider businesses showing innovation in the market chain, providing returns to producers, or those that have carved a niche for products grown in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Maori Producer of the Year – celebrating Maori producers who embrace the principles of kaitiakitangata while creating a sustainable livelihood. The emphasis will be on producers with a focus on healthy food while promoting resilient growing systems in their communities.
Other nomination categories are innovation, transition, youth, dairy, pastoral, horticultural, viticulture, and consultant of the year.
Organised in association with ABF, the GAIA awards will bring to NZ Amazing Carbon founder, soil ecologist Dr Christine Jones, of Australia.
The GAIA awards were established in Australia by Jones in 2009 to provide recognition for farmers and land-carers with a passion for looking after the life in their soil.
“We’ve been blown away by the extraordinary results people are achieving around the country and we can't wait to share some of their stories.”
Nicole Masters
Association of Biological Farmers
They aim to showcase through a range of events the success and innovation of farmers and growers adopting biological principles.
Jones will be the key judge and speaker at the inaugural NZ awards. She will be joined on the judging panel by Gareth Ingram (Farmlands), Masters (Integrity Soils), Warren Johnson (PGG Wrightson), Charlie Charters, Dean Martin, and Malcolm White (sheep, beef, and deer farmers), Paul Candy (RD1), and business, viticulture, and dairy specialists.
Each category has a cash prize and a supreme winner will be named. The winners will be announced on June 15 and presentation functions will be held at the Rotorua Convention Centre on August 6 and at Templin Hall, Canterbury Horticultural Society, Christchurch, on August 8.
Entries close on April 30. Entry forms and information are on biologicalfarmers.co.nz.
