The award acknowledges and helps younger farmers who’re dedicated to environmentally aware practices.
Davines North America, a subsidiary of The Davines Group, and Rodale Institute proudly introduced the launch of The Good Farmer Award USA on January 22, 2025. Constructing on the success of the primary The Good Farmer Award in Italy, this initiative goals to acknowledge U.S.-based younger farmers and ranchers who’ve been in enterprise for 10 years or much less who mannequin sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to neighborhood and environmental well being.
These farmers are honored for his or her contributions to environmentally accountable practices that promote biodiversity, foster long-term resilience, encourage neighborhood engagement, and advance sustainable and equitable techniques. This award was launched in 2024 by the Davines Group in Italy and is now supported within the U.S. by Rodale Institute, two organizations devoted to selling regenerative natural agriculture as an efficient device for enhancing the environmental well being and well-being of rural communities.
“We now have been main the dialog concerning the connections between agriculture, local weather and soil well being for greater than seven many years and perceive the challenges farmers face,” mentioned Rodale Institute CEO JeffTkach. “We all know from analysis performed at Rodale Institute that regenerative natural agriculture not solely produces more healthy meals for more healthy individuals, however may speed up carbon sequestration and enhance environmental circumstances in areas around the globe.”
“Regenerative natural farming is essential to this new method to sustainability – the place it’s now not sufficient to easily cut back our unfavorable influence on the surroundings,” mentioned Davide Bollati, Chairman of the Davines Group. “We should go additional by actively restoring the planet’s assets. We began this journey with Rodale Institute and the European Regenerative Natural Middle (EROC). During the last two years, we’ve been providing coaching and analysis on regenerative natural farming. This award is the pure evolution of that work. We’re specializing in younger farmers as a result of we consider they’re already driving this paradigm shift and have the potential to steer the way forward for sustainable agriculture.”
value particulars
The Good Farmer Award US winner will obtain a $10,000 prize from Davines North America to spend money on gear or initiatives that can enhance their agroecological practices. As well as, the winner will obtain an all-expenses-paid journey to the European Regenerative Natural Middle (EROC) in Parma, Italy – a world-class analysis and coaching middle affiliated with the Davines Group. The EROC go to, valued at $5,000, will present the winner with the chance to alternate data with world consultants and acquire new insights into regenerative natural farming methods.
Second and third place winners will obtain entry to Rodale Institute academic assets, together with on-line programs and workshops to additional your path to regenerative natural agriculture.
Focus of the award: Regenerative natural farming
This yr’s Good Farmer Award US is for farmers who’re dedicated to practices that promote biodiversity, improve local weather resilience and promote environmental stewardship. Submissions for the award ought to spotlight energetic efforts in regenerative farming methods, corresponding to:
● Environmental influence: Initiatives that help sustainable agricultural practices, restore ecosystems or cut back the ecological footprint.
● Neighborhood engagement: Initiatives that strengthen native economies and construct neighborhood resilience by means of direct-to-consumer fashions, CSAs or native partnerships.
● Gear and infrastructure: Investments in instruments and applied sciences that promote the effectivity, sustainability and adaptableness of agriculture.
admission standards
To be eligible, candidates should meet the USDA definition of starting farmer, that means they should have been farming or elevating livestock for 10 years or much less. They need to additionally reveal a robust dedication to regenerative natural practices. All candidates should submit detailed proposals outlining how they plan to make use of the prize cash in a number of classes, together with supporting documentation corresponding to a private assertion, photographs of their farm, and letters of advice.
Software schedule and process
● Submission interval: 22 January 2025 – 22 March 2025
● Award announcement: Earth Day, April 22, 2025
Purposes shall be reviewed by a prestigious jury of consultants in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and agroecology, with last winners chosen based mostly on their dedication to progressive regenerative practices and their imaginative and prescient to advertise environmental and social resilience.
The best way to apply
Farmers occupied with making use of for the Good Farmer Award US can full the appliance type. The shape requires an in depth description of their farming practices, how they plan to make use of the award funds, and a private assertion about their journey in regenerative agriculture. See award tips.
