"This new initiative is designed to celebrate the efforts of catchment groups and help inspire other rural communities with examples of good practice."
The NZ Landcare Trust Catchment Group Award will be open to catchment groups from all 11 regions in which the Ballance Farm Environment Awards operate.
NZ Landcare Trust chief executive Dr Nick Edgar said it was exciting to initiate the new award across New Zealand.
"We provide support to a large number of catchment groups doing amazing work to protect biodiversity, clean up waterways and respond to the climate challenge.
"This award provides an excellent opportunity to showcase what farmers in these groups have been able to achieve by working together".
Ballance Farm Environment Awards sector experts will meet with catchment group entrants to hear their stories and assess the work they are doing based on a range of criteria including:
• Their identification of risks and actions addressing water quality issues
• Their involvement of the local community including iwi and youth
• The robustness of their monitoring and evaluation to inform their work
• Their approach to other outcomes such as soil, nutrients, climate and biodiversity
The 2021 programme sees Farmax join the Ballance Farm Environment Awards as a new
partner.
All award entrants will be provided free analysis of greenhouse gas emission numbers and mitigation options through FARMAX 8.1.
"Farmax is thrilled to be supporting the awards which showcase some of the country's most sustainable and profitable farmers," Farmax chief executive, Gavin McEwen said.
Farmers, growers and catchment groups are encouraged to visit www.nzfeawards.org.nz to find out more, enter or nominate an entrant into the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
All entrants are provided with feedback from sector experts about their activities and
potential areas of focus for the future, something that previous awards entrants site as being of great value and use to them as they continue on their sustainability journey.
