Applications are now open for the National Women in Agriculture (WiA) Awards, which are intended to celebrate and reward female contributions to agriculture.
The Scottish branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU Scotland) and Women in Agriculture Scotland are encouraging nominations from across the UK for the award, which will be held in the House of Commons on May 9, 2024.
Entries close on January 12, 2024.
Chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland, Carole Brunton, said the organisation is delighted to support the event.
“These awards provide the opportunity to champion the outstanding achievements of women from all corners of agriculture,” she said.
“It would be fantastic to see nominations from across Scotland highlighting advancements in technology and sustainability, to the development of new business models and practices that pave the way for the next generation of women in farming and food production.
“Agriculture relies upon community and collaboration; gatherings like this one will allow us to come together as a community of women to mentor one another, spark new ideas through conversation, and form valuable friendships.”
Awards
Lifetime Achievement, Farming Woman of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Business of the Year are among the 12 awards set to be announced at the London ceremony.
Nestle, Co-op Food, First Milk and HSBC have agreed to sponsor the black-tie event in the House of Commons members’ dining room.
Head of policy team at NFU Scotland, Gemma Cooper, urged the importance of Scottish representation at the ceremony.
“These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the important contribution of women in the agricultural sector,” she said.
“Women play such a vital role in agriculture, often in the background, so it is great to see an opportunity to get some well-deserved Scottish names in lights.”
The ceremony is expected to be attended by more than 150 guests and nominees and, following the award presentation, an after party with live music is planned at the Marriott County Hall Hotel.
