OMSCo ANNOUNCES 2008 ‘FARMER OF THE YEAR’

21 May 2008

May 2008

OMSCo, the UK’s largest organic dairy cooperative, has today announced the winner of the 2008 ‘Farmer of the Year’ award. The coveted award, in its second year, recognises best practice in organic dairy farming.

Following a thorough analysis of the entries which included farm visits to the shortlisted farms, Tim Downes from The Farm in Longnor, Shrewsbury fought off stiff competition to scoop the highly prized accolade. Mr Downes received the OMSCo Farmer of the Year Trophy and a £500 voucher to spend on a sporting event, holiday or entertainment of their choice.

The Farmer of the Year award recognises an OMSCo member who has shown outstanding practice and innovation in organic dairy farming. Tim was chosen for his progressive approach, support for the local community and ardent dedication to organic principles.

One of OMSCo’s most committed members, Tim continually strives to incorporate cutting-edge techniques into the organic system and regularly attends and hosts training sessions and farm walks on his site.

Collecting his prize and unique milk churn trophy Mr Downes commented, “I’m really chuffed to have won OMSCo’s 2008 Farmer of the Year Award. As an OMSCo member I have over 300 contemporaries so I was up against stiff competition. It’s a real honour to have been chosen. I’d like to pass on my thanks to our talented staff, whose dedication and hard work have been integral to making our farm a success.”

Dr Tom Harris from Ffosyficer Farms Limited came a close second, and was awarded a runner up prize worth £250 for his commitment to organic principles.

Rosie Palmer, Marketing Manager at OMSCo remarked “As always, the standard of nominated farmers was exceptionally high, it was a tough job deciding on which of the nominated farmers most deserved to win however, we felt that both Tim Downes and Tom Harris deserved the recognition. They both have made a huge contribution to organic dairy farming and work diligently to maintain organic integrity and ethics. ”

Established in 1994, OMSCo has 350 members making it the UK’s largest and longest established organic milk supplier co-operative.

Ends

For media enquiries, please contact Edith Barton-Harvey or Camille Daltrey at Grayling on:
Tel: 0117 922 7799
Email: edith.bartonharvey@uk.grayling.com/camille.daltrey@uk.grayling.com

Notes to Editors:
? Farmers could either nominate themselves or another farmer by applying directly to OMSCo
? All entries were received by 1 March 2008
? Judging took place in April and all farmers have at some time been visited by a member of the OMSCo management team.