The Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards is returning this year with a total prize fund of €30,000.

The awards, which were officially launched today (Monday, January 19), 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 now open for entries to all farmers from all of the main enterprises.

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

The overall winner of the 2026 Teagasc and FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards will receive €10,000. The awards will be presented in late September.

The overall sponsor of the awards is FBD Insurance. They are again supported by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), Bord Bia, and AgNav.

Awards

Speaking at the launch, Professor Frank O’Mara, director of Teagasc, said: "In the last 4-5 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.

"Teagasc is delighted to lead this programme and are thankful to FBD for the continued financial support of the awards programme," he added.

Michael Berkery, chair of FBD Trust, said that FBD is delighted to once again sponsor the awards.

"Since its inception, the awards have showcased how good farming practice can effectively balance with sustainable income and environmental benefits.

"Last year, our overall winner Don Somers from Oylegate in Co. Wexford successfully demonstrated how efficient nutrient management cut down on costs and hugely benefits the environment," he said.