The annual British Farming Awards will go ahead this year in a brand new virtual format, as it seeks to celebrate the innovation and achievements of farming businesses and shine a light on the people who keep the nation fed.

While many awards, shows and events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the British Farming Awards will take place on a bespoke digital platform and retain its emphasis on celebrating the fantastic individuals who make the farming industry and its community so unique.

Back for its eighth year, the event is organised by AgriBriefing, the parent company of Farmers Guardian, Arable Farming and Dairy Farmer, and is supported by Morrisons.

Sophie Throup, Morrisons Head of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Sourcing, said: “At Morrisons, we are long term supporters of British Farming; we value the efforts of British farmers who work hard all year round – in times of pandemic or not – to produce great quality food with high welfare and environmental standards.

“This year, more than ever, we would like to thank and celebrate the work of British farmers and growers who are helping us to feed the nation.

“In these recent weeks as the pandemic has stimulated closure of the food service sector and reduction in export trade, we have been working hard to do our part to bring British food and farming to our customers’ attention.

“This has included thank you adverts around national newspapers and the opening of our steak and seafood bars to help tempt customers back into buying prime cuts to help with carcass balance.

“We’ve also been innovating in launching Food Boxes and Doorstep Deliveries, which not only help the vulnerable in society, but also open up new routes to get British products to new and existing customers.

“The British Farming Awards are a fantastic way to help us share and celebrate the inspiring people and businesses which make our farming industry so great: we encourage you to get involved and apply.”

The first ever virtual British Farming Awards will be celebrated on October 21, 2020, and more information will be released at www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk when details are announced.

Celebrating the innovative, determined and extraordinary farmers across all sectors, the British Farming Awards showcases the diversity and adaptability of the UK’s farming community, no matter the size or scale of their business.

Alongside farming’s core sectors – dairy, beef, sheep, arable and machinery – there is also recognition in other valued groups, such as family farms, students, new entrants, agri-technology and the huge number of diversifications, which are now so crucial to many businesses.

Editor of Farmers Guardian Ben Briggs said: “We are all very aware of the buzz a live award’s night brings along with the comradery and anticipation of the night’s announcements.

“We know the networking and chance of winning, especially for young businesses, gives the community a valuable opportunity to connect with leading figures in the industry and other like-minded farmers.

“But this year we must stay as safe as we can and we hope the features and support our virtual event will offer will help highlight and give some well-deserved recognition for many amazing farmers and agri-businesses there are out there.”

The closing date for entries is June 26 so there is still plenty of time to enter or nominate an individual who deserves recognition for their hard work and business approach at www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk

You can now register to watch the awards night at www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk/awards-night