Finalists announced for NEWBIE Award 2020

"New entrants face a lot of hurdles, so we’re excited to showcase business models that demonstrate how barriers to land access and profitability can be overcome, while also pursuing sustainability objectives."

The wait is over for the NEWBIE Award 2020 shortlist: Aweside Farm (England), Matthew Adams (Northern Ireland), Teleri Fielden (Wales) and Tomnah’a Market Garden (Scotland) have been announced as finalists of the second NEWBIE UK award for New Entrant Farm Business of the Year, due to their success in demonstrating innovation in their entry into farming, their farm activities and business model. These four farms and farmers represent some of the best examples of new entrants across the whole of the UK. The European Commission-funded NEWBIE project (New Entrant netWork: Business models for Innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience in European agriculture) is offering the award to new entrants in 8 European countries. It is part of a suite of opportunities aiming to help new entrants’ network and develop successful businesses.

The award winner will receive €500 towards the cost of training or an international visit, as well as an award plaque, farm video, and opportunity to participate in a European new entrant conference with other award winners.

The NEWBIE award selection committee were very impressed with this year’s finalists, especially their demonstration of passion, innovation and sustainability:

• The team at Aweside Farm, in East Sussex, aim to make sure that none of their produce is wasted by building in as much value to crops and plants at different stages of their life, selling to mainly restaurants and florists. 
• Matthew Adams is working as a profit-sharing farm manager across 400 acres in county Down with over 200 dairy cows, aiming to maximise the potential of the land by optimising stocking rates and improving milk yield from forage.
• Teleri Fielden has been building her farming experience across France and Wales; she farms livestock in Snowdonia National Park and has been selling lamb boxes locally, whilst maintaining an interest in improving biodiversity. 
• Based near Crieff, Perthshire, Tomnah’a Market Garden sell fruit, veg and flowers directly to customers through a community supported agriculture scheme as well as through online food hubs.

Dr Lee-Ann Sutherland, a research leader in the James Hutton Institute’s Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences group in Aberdeen, and UK NEWBIE coordinator, said: “This year’s nominees demonstrate the importance of having a passion for your work, identifying markets and making the most of the resources you have available to you.

"New entrants face a lot of hurdles, so we’re excited to showcase business models that demonstrate how barriers to land access and profitability can be overcome, while also pursuing sustainability objectives."

A panel of NEWBIE UK steering group members, representing all four UK nations, will select the winner. The winner will be announced in the coming weeks.

Similar awards are being offered across Europe by NEWBIE project partners. Award winners from partnering European countries will be encouraged to share their experiences through international exchange opportunities provided by the NEWBIE project. There will be a final NEWBIE award nomination process for 2021 later this year; keep an eye on the NEWBIE UK website and Twitter account for more information.