FWAG Silver Lapwing finalists are announced!

at champagne reception at the Game Fair

The seven finalists of the prestigious FWAG Silver Lapwing Award for 2010 - sponsored for the second year by Waitrose and Coombe Farm - were revealed at a special reception held during the CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire on Saturday 24 July.  Henry Lucas, FWAG Chairman, announced the seven finalists competing for the Silver Lapwing Trophy and winners' cheque for £1,000 as;

• Philip Hubbert of J E Piccaver and Co, Gedney Marsh, Holbeach, Lincolnshire
• Huw Rowlands of The Grange, Mickle Trafford, Cheshire
• Michael Aster of Hatley Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire
• George Danby of Brickyard Farm, Wrangle, Boston, Lincolnshire
• James Brown of Pollybell Organics, Epworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
• Rod Smith of Beal Farm, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland
• Keith Williams of Hendy Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells, Powys

Aimed at farmers and landowners who demonstrate outstanding commitment to conservation and environmental management, the FWAG Silver Lapwing Award reward the very best land managers who can show a track record of environmental best practice integrated into a commercially successful farming enterprise for more than three years.

Andy Ormiston, Managing Director of FWAG said:  "The standard of entries to the FWAG Silver Lapwing Awards continues to improve year on year.   All of the finalists are running a commercial operation for the production of food but have demonstrated that it is possible to do this alongside caring for the environment."

Waitrose Director of Agricultural Strategy and Buying for Meat, Poultry, Fish, Frozen and Dairy, Heather Jenkins said "This award is so important because it gives proper recognition to farmers who demonstrate real passion and commitment to farming in harmony with the environment.
I'm delighted more of these 'hidden gem' farms have been put forward for consideration this year to showcase the real benefits they bestow to the wider community. I wish all entrants the very best of luck."

The judging tour of the finalists' farms will take place in mid September. 

The FWAG Silver Lapwing Awards will be presented at a ceremony in London in the autumn.   The overall winner will receive a cheque for £1,000 and a Silver Lapwing trophy by leading artist Patricia Northcroft.