This award recognises businesses within the agri-food sector which are excelling and growing year on year. All businesses operating within this sector such as suppliers, producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers are invited to enter this award. Applications will be judged on the noted criteria: - Business Overview - Evidence of business growth / consistency of performance in a volatile market - Product range/service provided and innovation in this space - Commitment to sustainable business practices

Yorkshire has a long and proud history as a food producer and we want to hear from anyone who is carrying on that legacy.Whether they produce bread, vegetables, cheese, meat, ice-cream, drinks or anything in between, the demand for artisan produce has never been higher. With food provenance and the focus on the UK’s high standards during the Agriculture Bill debate placing awareness of food safety among consumers at an all time high, this award is looking for the food and drink innovator who has a passion for their product and the importance of homegrown food.

We know many farm shops have used their expertise to survive and thrive during the various lockdowns. Some may have only just opened their doors for the first time as the pandemic struck while more established venues have found new ways of serving the community. Entrants may have innovated and adapted during the pandemic ensuring local producers have outlets and consumers can source the food they need or they may have established their own farm shop to reach a new market for their products. This award aims to recognise innovation whether it is an established or new business.

Yorkshire is home to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking countryside in the world. We are looking for the best enterprises who operate from it. Are you based in a small town, village or hamlet? Are you making a positive difference to your area by creating jobs and innovating? Are you determined that rural areas should be as successful as urban ones? And how does being based in the countryside enhance your firm?

The rural economy is supported by a wide range of businesses, from animal feed suppliers to fuel suppliers, machinery to fertiliser. Vets, contractors, accountants, rural surveyors and land agents.a  All Businesses have important roles to play and we want to find the Businesses who go that extra mile for customers. Entrants will need to demonstrate the role they play in the rural community and how their support can help clients reach their business goals.

As Student or Apprentice of the year, you will be successfully progressing your learning and career, inside and outside of college or university. Open to all agricultural students/apprentices in Yorkshire who are currently enrolled onto a college, university or apprenticeship placement, whether you come from an agricultural background or are new to the industry. You will be clearly able to demonstrate self-motivation, initiative, adaptability and a commitment to agriculture outside of academic life.

This celebrates all shows and events that take place as part of the Yorkshire Agricultural calendar. This award looks to recognise the challenges of the last few years and celebrates the people who run them. We are looking for entries from all agricultural themes including livestock and machinery shows/events

Many rural businesses have upped the game when it comes to diversity, from those producing their own energy to run their operations to those using their land in different ways, such as securely fenced areas for dog exercising or agri tourism. This award recognises those who have innovated and created a new revenue stream or self sufficiency for their business, while still maintaining their core business. We will be looking for the whole story of how the idea was conceived and then put into action along with future plans and how it will strengthen the business long term.

This award is open to farms in any sector, including arable, mixed, livestock, and horticulture, and of any size. We are looking for nominations which outline what sets your farm apart from the rest whether that is through management techniques, diversification, sustainable working practices, applications should show how you are producing a robust, resilient business for the future.

Seeking nominations for Yorkshire based rural businesses which export internationally and are seeing continued growth in this area. Nominations may include examples of new product development which specifically cater for the export market, expanding operations globally and/or key examples of business practice which has led to significant growth in these markets. Applications will be judged on the noted criteria: - Business Overview - Evidence of business growth / consistency of performance in a volatile market - Current and/or future exporting opportunities - Commitment to sustainable business practices

Environment is high on the agenda and this category is designed to reward those making a difference, whether that is through creating new woodlands and hedgerows, farming alongside nature, safeguarding wildlife or providing improved access for leisure use by walkers, cyclists or horse riders. We are looking for someone who has shown vision and drive and improve the environment for those around them and future generations, creating safe havens for wildlife, better access for more people to enjoy the countryside and helping the planet’s sustainability.

The winner of this award will be anyone under 35 who has displayed a real talent for farming, whether running their own operation as landowner or tenant, taking over a family farm or showing exceptional dedication as a farm apprentice. Nominations should show how entrants have worked towards their chosen career path and outline their plans for building a resilient, sustainable business within the changing face of agriculture.