The deadline for applying to the Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards has been extended.

The awards recognise the progress that farmers are making to improve environmental performance, while continuing to produce high quality, nutritious food, in a profitable and sustainable manner.

Now in its third year, the initiative showcases ongoing efforts by farmers to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, improving soil health, manage organic systems and diversify farm enterprises.

This competition is open for entries to all farmers from all of the main enterprises.

Deadline

The closing date for entries, which can be submitted via the Teagasc website, was originally Friday, February 27, 2026.

This deadline has now been extended to Friday, March 31, 2026.

There are six award categories, an overall winner, and a total prize fund of €30,000.

Judging and shortlisting of finalists will commence after March 13.

Speaking at the launch in January, Professor Frank O’Mara, director of Teagasc, said: "In the last four to five years, farmer awareness and understanding of what’s required to improve farm environmental sustainability has increased significantly.

"It’s the sharing of the inspirational farmer stories from awards programmes like the Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards that has given other farmers the confidence to adopt the technologies required to make a change while at the same time continuing to produce nutritious food profitably."

2025 winner

A tillage farmer from Co. Wexford was named the overall winner at of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2025.

Don Somers was also the winner in the 'Improving Water Quality' category at the awards ceremony in October 2025.

Farming 183ha with his uncle Jim, he grows winter and spring cereals using a minimum tillage system since 2018, protecting soil structure and biology.