THE focus of a popular farming award has changed this year. 

The Duke of Cornwall's Award, given at the Royal Cornwall Show, was first presented in 2006. From 2006 until 2012, the award was presented for the encouragement of traditional trades and skills and from 2013 until 2023, the focus was on farm business diversification. 

In 2024, the award will have a new focus - sustainability. The award will be given to the farm business that has been most successful in developing their enterprise to deliver a sustainable approach to farming, forestry, and/or food production.

Nominations for the award are now open and can be made through the Royal Cornwall Show website or by contacting the show office. 

A spokesperson for The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association said: "This change has come to reflect the key role of farming and food production in the sustainable stewardship of our land and demonstrate how farm businesses have risen to the challenge of delivering a creative and balanced approach.  

"Judges will be looking for initiatives that demonstrate factors such as; reducing greenhouse gas emissions, natural habitat management, and opportunities to improve mental and physical health among the public. As well as practices that support movement towards net zero, and overall commercial viability and sustainability."

The Duke of Cornwall award will be presented at the 2024 Royal Cornwall Show, which is on June 6, 7 and 8. The winner will recieve a trophy, certificate and a £1000 cash prize from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cornwall. 

To enter, your business must be in Cornwall or the Isle of Scilly. Closing date for nominations is March 1 2024.