Why enter the Awards?
Gain feedback, celebrate achievement and join a community committed to sustainable farming and growing.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards celebrate the mahi of farmers and growers who are caring for the land, strengthening their businesses, and contributing to thriving communities. The programme showcases good practice, shares positive stories from across Aotearoa, and highlights the innovation happening throughout our food and fibre sector.
Want the full picture? Download the BFEA About the Awards Doc (PDF).
Entering the Awards is a practical and uplifting way to gain fresh insight into your business. Every entrant goes through a supportive assessment process where experienced judges take a holistic view of your farm or growing operation. They consider your environmental care, productivity, profitability, people, and wider community involvement, recognising the interconnected nature of successful, sustainable food and fibre businesses.
The assessment explores key elements of your system, including:
- Animal & Plant Care
- Biodiversity
- Business Health
- Climate
- People & Wellbeing
- Soil
- Water
- Waste Management
Each regional Awards evening is a celebration of progress and connection. Farmers, growers, agribusiness professionals, community leaders, and government representatives come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and recognise the impact of sustainable leadership across Aotearoa.
Many past entrants say the experience helped them see their business in new ways, build confidence, and make lasting connections. Their stories speak to the true value of being part of the Awards whānau.
Entries are now open for the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Reasons to enter.
Gain expert insight
Have your business evaluated by a team of highly respected and experienced peers and agribusiness professionals.
See the bigger picture
Receive a holistic view of your business including environmental management, productivity and profitability through to family and community involvement.
Celebrate your success
Celebrate success with your peers and community.
Gain valuable feedback
Receive feedback and recommendations to support your sustainability journey.
Join a national network
Join the BFEA alumni and continue to connect and learn from others across the country.
Share your experience
Have the opportunity to mentor and develop other farmers and growers.
Awards Process.
From entry to celebration, how the Ballance Farm Environment Awards journey unfolds.
