The search is on for the next recipient of The Caroline Drummond Award – Celebrating and Communicating Farming Excellence.
Set up in memory of former LEAF Chief Executive, Caroline Drummond MBE, who led LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) for over 30 years, the award recognises an individual who personifies the passion and drive to advance more sustainable farming, communicating that to peers, the wider food chain and the public. The award is open to farmers and other individuals involved in the farming industry.
As well as LEAF, the award is supported by The British Guild of Agricultural Journalists and The Institute of Agricultural Management, both of which Caroline had a close involvement with.
“I am immensely proud of Caroline’s achievements with LEAF. These include a pathway to sustainable farming, excellent communication both inside and outside the agricultural world and posing questions about the type of food we should be growing to meet the needs of our customers,”
says Caroline’s husband Philip Ward.
“She did this with positivity, a willingness to work with other organisations and a desire to always do what she thought was right in order to work towards achieving her goals.
“Winners of this award, demonstrate many of these qualities, hopefully this year we will see more shining examples of people who can, in their own way, help to move farming in the right direction. I look forward to seeing this year’s entries and hope they cheer me up as much as they did last time as I read about so many people doing good things!”
Winners of the 2024 award, Tracy Russell and David Newman of Bucksum, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire say:
“In a tricky year last year, the Caroline Drummond Award really gave us a much-needed boost and some recognition for what at times can feel like a thankless task, not only growing food but the frustration of trying to educate the public.
“The award dinner and day out in London was such a treat – not at all the kind of thing we farmers often do! It was great to meet inspiring speakers and enthusiastic people genuinely interested in our work. There’s nothing like talking about what you do to make you reflect and pause, recognising that it is all worthwhile. We’d definitely recommend applying even if only to note down how amazing you truly are and remind yourself to just keep going.”
Victoria Bywater, director of the Institute of Agricultural Management, says:
“This award shines a light on those who not only practise excellence in sustainable agriculture but also communicate it with clarity and purpose. At IAgrM, we are committed to supporting individuals who lead with integrity and drive positive change across our industry.”
David Webster, LEAF CEO says:
“Caroline was, first and foremost, a communicator and connector. She had a unique ability to share her vision, passion, and drive with people of all ages, from all walks of life, and backgrounds. She inspired, encouraged, motivated, and led by example. This important Award recognises and celebrates some of our industry’s most outstanding communicators. It also represents all that Caroline believed in – that the voices of farmers committed to more sustainable farming and protecting our planet for future generations should be amplified.”
Ben Pike, chairman of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists says:
“This award is a fitting tribute to Caroline and her determination to show the wider world that good farming practice and looking after the environment go hand in hand. The twin challenges of feeding an increasing global population and climate change make that goal more important than ever before,”
Entry procedure
Entrants can enter themselves or be nominated by others. Evidence of the impact they have had will be required. That impact can be at a local, national or international level. The judging panel will consist of representatives of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, The Institute of Agricultural Management, Linking Environment And Farming and Caroline’s widower Philip Ward.
The recipient will be invited to key British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Institute of Agricultural Management and LEAF events in late 2025 where they will be presented with the trophy.
Entrants have until 31 August 2025 to submit their entries to Cedric Porter via email: cedric@supplyintelligence.co.uk. Call him on 07881 956446 for more information.
