2026 Teagasc / FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards launched

The Teagasc / FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards for 2026 were launched today, Monday 19^th January. Pictured at the launch from left to right are Liam Herlihy, Chairperson of the Teagasc Authority; Emer O’Byrne, National Head of Branch Strategy, FBD Insurance; Michael Berkery, Chair FBD Trust; Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc; Shannon McGovern, Signpost Communications & Engagement Officer and Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Climate and Biodiversity KT, Teagasc. These awards recognise the progress that farmers are making to improve environmental performance, while continuing to produce high quality, nutritious food, in a profitable and sustainable manner.

Now in its third year, the awards showcase the ongoing efforts by farmers to improve environmental outcomes, including reducing greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, managing organic systems and diversifying farm enterprises all while remaining technically efficient and commercially viable.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, highlighted that:

“In the last 4-5 years, farmer awareness and understanding of what’s required to improve farm environmental sustainability has increased significantly. It’s the sharing of the inspirational farmer stories from awards programmes like the Teagasc / FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards that has given other farmers the confidence to adopt the technologies required to make a change while at the same time continuing to produce nutritious food profitably. Teagasc is delighted to lead this programme and are thankful to FBD for the continued financial support of the awards programme.”

Chair of FBD Trust, Michael Berkery commented: “FBD is once again delighted to sponsor the Environmental Sustainability Awards. Since its inception, the awards have showcased how good farming practice can effectively balance with sustainable income and environmental benefits. Last year our overall winner Don Somers from Oylegate in County Wexford successfully demonstrated how efficient nutrient management cut down on costs and hugely benefits the environment.”

This competition is now open for entries to all farmers from all of the main enterprises. The closing date for entries is Friday, 27^th February 2026. Farmers can apply for the awards here

The prize money for these awards is generous, with a total prize fund of €30,000. The overall award winner will receive €10,000.

The awards will be presented in late September 2026. The overall sponsor of the awards is FBD Insurance. They are supported by ICBF, Bord Bia and AgNav.