There has been a 50 per cent jump in the number of nominations for the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards this year, Federated Farmers says.
The increase underpinned the amount of innovation and leadership going on in the sector, as well as a growing awareness of the need to celebrate it, Feds chief executive Terry Copeland said.
Copeland said from 65 nominations, up from just over 40 last year, judges have had the tough task of selecting finalists in seven categories.
"With a whole set of gnarly challenges in front of us - from global warming, biosecurity threats, cost pressures and demand for more community water storage, to name a few - robust science, entrepreneurial spirit and cross-agency teamwork is needed."
"The PINZ Awards acknowledge and honour the teams, individuals and businesses striving to make a difference in the primary industries sphere, and by doing so boost the employment prospects and standard of living of all New Zealanders."
