Offaly entrants triumph in prestigious RDS agriculture and forestry awards

The 2023 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards presentation took place last week in Dublin. With a total prize fund of €31,000, the awards celebrate and promote the principles of climate-smart agriculture in Ireland. Thirteen Award winners were announced over three main categories: Forestry, Livestock and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.

Speaking at the RDS, Minister Hackett said: “Sustainable farming and agriculture has a very bright future in Ireland and I am delighted to see the efforts of all the award winners here today at the RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards. As a proud organic farmer myself, I understand the hard work involved, but also the pride and satisfaction that goes with practising climate-smart farming and forestry. I want to congratulate all the award winners and indeed all those who participated.”

According to RDS President, John Dardis: “It is more important than ever to recognise the work of our farmers, foresters and agri-entrepreneurs, who are contributing to the sustainable development of Irish agriculture, which remains the most important industry in rural Ireland. This year’s Spring Agriculture and Forestry Award winners have achieved a balance between the economic and environmental needs of the sector and are highlighting what is possible when experience is combined with innovation and dedication.”

The 2023 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Award recipients are:

RDS Forestry and Woodland Awards

Production Forestry Award – Des and Elaine Drew, Co. Dublin
Teagasc Farm Forestry Award – Sean Creamer, Co. Leitrim
Community Woodlands Award – Knockranny Woods, Co. Mayo

RDS Livestock Awards

Economic Breeding Index Award (Best Dairy Cow) – Brendan Meade, Co. Meath
Euro-Star Index Award (Best Beef Cow) – Gerard Collins, Co. Clare
Dairy Herd Index Award – Jim White, Co. Tipperary
Beef Herd Index Award – William McGrath, Co. Cork
LambPlus Breeders Index Award – William Hutchinson, Co. Kilkenny

RDS Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Awards

Sustainable Farming Award – Norman Dunne, Co. Kildare
Sustainable Agri Start-Up Award – Woolow, Co. Galway
Sustainable Rural Enterprise Award – Honestly Farm Kitchen
Sustainable Rural Innovation Award – BiaSol, Co. Offaly
Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award – The Grow Dome Project, Co. Dublin

Mr Dardis added: “The RDS wishes to thank Minister Hackett and acknowledge the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for these awards, in particular for their continued sponsorship of the Forestry Award category. Increased carbon sequestration through effective forestry management is recognised as one of the most effective tools available in tackling climate change and in promoting sustainable agriculture. These Awards recognise those who are setting the standard for others to follow in this regard. What they have been able to achieve is an inspiration to all involved in the future development of Irish agriculture.”

For more information on the RDS Spring Awards, visit: www.rds.ie/agriculture

Winners Profiles:

Dairy Herd Index Award

Jim White, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary

Jim White, from Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, is the winner of the 2023 RDS Dairy Herd Award.

Jim notes that breeding has had cumulative effect on the development of his Dairy Farm. Where they try to do everything possible to identify opportunities for improvement in their management system and gain an advantage by breeding the most efficient cows for their farm.

Jim is a great example to others of the benefits of continuous, incremental improvements, to drive efficiencies, reduce waste and increase profitability.

Sustainable Rural Innovation Award

BiaSol, Co. Offaly

Contact: Niamh Dooley

The winner of the 2023 RDS Sustainable Rural Innovation Award is BiaSol, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

BiaSol is dedicated to addressing food waste and promoting the circular economy. They produce sustainable food products from byproducts and waste streams, with a focus on upcycling brewers' spent grain.

BiaSol collaborates with Irish craft breweries to collect spent grain, preventing it from going to landfills where it would emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Through an innovative process, BiaSol transforms spent grain into nutritious and flavorsome food products for the food service industry and retail.

The company implements sustainable management practices, including the use of recyclable and compostable packaging made from recycled materials.

BiaSol's innovation has numerous benefits for rural Ireland. They are the first company in Ireland and the UK to manufacture brewers' spent grain for human consumption, establishing a food bioeconomy.

By partnering with local breweries and supplying the food service industry, BiaSol helps reduce carbon emissions and imports of wheat flour.

BiaSol's commitment to sustainability and their pioneering efforts in upcycling food waste make them deserving winners of the RDS sustainable innovation award.