Bishop Burton College shortlisted for Ashden Awards for Future Farmers

Operated by UK-based climate solutions charity Ashden, the prestigious Ashden Awards established in 2001, boost and showcase outstanding climate solutions. The college is amongst 32 shortlisted projects and organisations tackling key climate challenges in the Global South and UK, creating fairer societies as well as lower emissions. Bishop Burton has been shortlisted for the Future Farmers award, within the Growing a Regenerative Economy shortlist, acknowledging its work developing skills and training for sustainable land management.

Bishop Burton’s mixed commercial farm has become a showcase for precision farming technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions; and through its work with students, employers and other stakeholders, is meeting the needs of the farming industry for higher level technical skills.

Project Manager Victoria Isaac said of the college’s work: “As a specialist land-based college Bishop Burton is hugely aware of the contribution Agriculture makes to the UK’s Green House Gas emissions and its subsequent contribution to global warming. In response to these environmental challenges and to help future proof the sector, the college has made a huge commitment to ensure that the current and future generations of agricultural professionals are able to farm efficiently and sustainably.”

Victoria continued “Bishop Burton has set an ambitious target to achieve zero carbon by 2030, providing a showcase for nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. An important aspect of this work has been to combine the use of the latest technologies with regenerative farming practices. This reduces inputs of fossil fuels whilst maximising carbon sequestration and improving soil health.”

Principal and Chief Executive Bill Meredith commented “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. At the college we have made a significant commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030 and we are already seeing fantastic results through regenerative and precision farming practices, the introduction of renewable energy generation and our partnership with the Institute of Technology. It is testament to the hard work of the team at Bishop Burton that what we have accomplished is showcased alongside other amazing initiatives across the globe.”

Ashden Head of Awards Dr Stephen Hall said: “This is a breathtaking collection of climate trailblazers. Our 2023 shortlists prove once again that we have the climate innovation we need – funding and investment into this great work must be stepped up if we are to meet climate and development goals, such as connecting everyone to clean energy by 2030.

“In every category we’ve seen exciting potential to create stable green jobs and livelihoods. We now need global leaders to recognise the potential for clean energy and regenerative solutions, to drive fairer and more productive economies.”

Other shortlisted organisations include a scheme bringing clean energy to 2 million people in Nigeria, work empowering rainforest communities in Indonesia and nature protection and clean energy organisations in England and Wales.

Winning organisations, chosen by panels of expert judges, will be revealed this autumn. Winners will benefit from a cash prize and publicity, as well as new connections to investors, funders and policymakers.

To discover more about the farm take a look here or explore our Institute of Technology Centre for Precision Agriculture.