The Green Farm Collective takes top honour at the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2023
The prestigious BBC Food and Farming Awards saw The Green Farm Collective emerge as the winner in the Farming for the Future category, sponsored jointly by Farming Today and The Archers.
Esteemed judges for the award, Charlotte Smith and Lucy Speed, an actor known for her role as Stella Pryor on The Archers, were all praises for the nominees. "All the nominees in our category were just amazing. What you're doing is so important and so brilliant. I just want to say congratulations to all because you're all incredible people, incredible farmers," said Lucy Speed.
The founders of the Green Farm Collective, Michael Kavanagh, Jake Freestone, Tim Parton, and Angus Gowthorpe, expressed their gratitude and pride after the accolade. "It was absolutely fantastic to be recognised for the work we're doing," said Tim Parton. "We've got a big belief that we can change the planet in which we live."
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Jake Freestone pointed out the increasing threats from climate change and food security. "We don't have time to experiment. We need to produce food at home without ruining the environment. Farmland birds, insects, butterflies, and moths are thriving on our farm. If we can capture some of that value back to the farmers, that's fantastic."
Charlotte Smith posed a pertinent question about the financial viability of sustainable farming. Michael Kavanagh was optimistic, stating, "We set up the Green Farm Collective to keep added value on the farm and in farmers' pockets. This award will really help propel us forward."
Lucy Speed expressed her admiration for the Collective's efforts. "It brings hope to know that you farmers are taking climate change seriously. Having a collective of farmers to support and help others through this big change is crucial."
The team sees their role as a big responsibility. "There is no planet B. We've got to act now," stressed Tim Parton. Michael Kavanagh added the importance of peer learning, noting that "farmers listen to other farmers."
Angus Gowthorpe had an encouraging message for those hesitant about transitioning to sustainable farming practices. "It works. With the guidance and assistance of others, you can speed up that journey."
The BBC Food and Farming Awards once again highlighted the need for sustainable practices and celebrated those leading the charge.
Listen to the full episode of Farming Today featuring the Green Farm Collective here.
Interested to find out more? Join the Green Farm Collective at an event on 11 November. More information here.