2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award opens for entries
Teagasc is delighted to announce the opening of the RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award as part of the highly attractive suite of 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards, recognising the dedication, innovation, and stewardship that shape Ireland’s forests.
Now in its 8th year of sponsorship, the call for entries for the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award has officially opened and will close on 19th December 2025.
The winner will receive €2,000 and an RDS Silver Medal with a prize of €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit for the runner-up.
The Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Category recognises progressive farmers who are integrating forestry and farming for environmental, social and economic benefits. The category aims to promote the positive sustainable contribution of forestry as an integral enterprise within the wider active farming profile. It acknowledges the farmer’s role in actively managing the forest and promoting tree planting as a key underpinning of wider farming sustainability encompassing sound commercial management, environmental protection and encouragement of biodiversity.
The winner of the 2025 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award was Roscommon suckler farmer Brian Flanagan who commented; “I’m delighted firstly to have been shortlisted and secondly to have won the Teagasc award. I feel it’s great that the forest has got recognition of the farming and biodiversity benefits that it brings.”
Commenting on the launch of the awards Tom Houlihan, Acting Head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department said: “Teagasc is again delighted to be associated with the RDS Forestry Awards through our sponsorship of the Farm Forestry Award Category.
“Well planned and actively managed forests and woodlands have strong potential to fit in with, and complement other farming systems. Teagasc works closely with many farmers and landowners in supporting the integration of forestry as a valuable enterprise within the overall farming mix,” Tom Houlihan said.
The 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is your opportunity to be recognised for your farming and forestry achievements. To apply, simply download the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award application form here.
Remember the closing date for entries is the 19th December 2025.
The winners of the RDS Forest and Woodland Awards will be announced in April 2026 at an awards ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall.
2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are Ireland’s national forestry awards, they recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners who are employing the principles of climate-smart agriculture on their properties including
Other Award categories are:
- The Silvicultural Excellence and Innovation Award Category
- The Community Woodland Award Category
- The Native Woodland Conservation Award Category
Find out more and enter the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award here.