Award-winning Barway farmer is top of the crops
James Mellor, left, receives his award from Steve Mclean, M&S head of agriculture and fisheries. - Credit: Archant
Farmer James Mellor has been crowned Marks & Spencer’s Young Farmer of the Year at the England & Wales Farming for the Future awards.
The prestigious award was announced at the M&S stand on the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show.
Mr Mellor, who farms with G’s, in Barway, was recognised for his dedication, hard work and active support of ongoing research projects, such as the soil sustainability programme and pest management and crop protection strategies.
He is organic crop manager and conventional celery crop manager at Barways Farms; a role which sees him managing a team of up to 60 people during peak times.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s great to work with a big retailer like M&S which recognises the importance of high quality produce and the need to safe-guard our agricultural industry for future generations.
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“These awards are a true validation of the hard work farmers are putting in right across the country and it’s a real honour to have been chosen as this year’s winner.”
M&S Farming for the Future is a programme of initiatives which champions sustainability and innovation.
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The programme is designed to help farmers identify opportunities for improvement, increase their profitability and provide a sustainable supply chain that can continue to deliver quality and innovation for the long term.
Steve Mclean, M&S head of agriculture and fisheries, said: “James’s commitment to innovation, best practice and future-proof farming really set him apart from the competition.”
