LOCAL FARMER IS CLOSE RUNNER-UP FOR OMSCO 2008 ‘FARMER OF THE YEAR’ AWARD

21 May 2008

Pembrokeshire farmer Tom Harris of Ffosyficer Farms in Boncath, has today been announced the runner-up for the Organic Milk Cooperative (OMSCo) 2008 ‘Farmer of the Year’ award. The coveted award, in its second year, recognises the very best in organic dairy farming.

Dr. Harris fought off stiff competition from across the country to come a close to second to the winner, Shrewsbury farmer, Tim Downes. In recognition of his dedication to organic dairy farming, Tom was awarded with a £250 voucher to spend on a sporting event, holiday or entertainment of his choice.

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

Tom’s commitment to organic farming was illustrated when he gave up his post as a research scientist at the University of Michigan to return to the family farm in 1999 to help father, Lawrence, convert Ffosyficer to organic status. Thanks largely to Tom’s hard work and dedication, Ffosyficer Farm has grown and developed. Tom has taken responsibility for the farm, enabling parents Lawrence and Eira, to focus their efforts on launching and promoting Daioni, a successful organic flavoured milk drink which is now being sold UK wide and internationally.

Collecting his prize, Mr Downes commented, “I’m really chuffed to have been announced runner-up for OMSCo’s 2008 Farmer of the Year Award, I had no idea I had even been nominated until I had the phone call saying I had come second! 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. ”

Rosie Palmer, Marketing Manager at OMSCo remarked “As always, the standard of nominated farmers was exceptionally high and it was a tough job selecting the winners however Tom Harris really deserved the recognition. Tom has made a huge contribution to organic dairy farming, working diligently to maintain organic integrity and ethics, whilst producing first-class organic milk and dairy products. ”

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

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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 short-listed farmers were visited by a member of the OMSCo management team.