The Royal Dublin Society has officially opened applications for the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals, farm families and organisations driving sustainable economic, environmental and social development across Ireland’s agricultural and rural communities.

Formerly known as the RDS Sustainability Awards, the refreshed programme continues the RDS’s long-standing commitment to recognising innovation, best practice and leadership within Irish agriculture.

With a prize fund of €9,000 and the award of the prestigious RDS Silver Medal to category winners, the Awards shine a spotlight on those making a meaningful impact on the sustainability and resilience of Ireland’s farming sector. Winners will be recognised for their dedication to innovation, community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Entries are now open and will close on Friday, 13 March, 2026.

From its earliest foundation, the RDS has sought to encourage innovation and the promotion of excellence in Irish agriculture. Today, the RDS Agriculture & Rural Affairs programme continues this mission by promoting best practice in farming, forestry and rural enterprise, supporting sustainable agriculture and the enhancement of rural communities across the island of Ireland.

The Awards are divided into three main categories designed to reward excellence across the economic, environmental and social pillars of sustainability:

• Sustainable Farming Award
  Celebrating individuals or farm families who are sustainably developing and diversifying their on-farm activities. It recognises entrepreneurial farmers who have created new income streams through initiatives such as agri-tourism, educational experiences, value-added products, innovative marketing, improved efficiencies and other enterprises that strengthen both farm viability and rural communities.
• Sustainable Rural Innovation Award
  Recognising individuals and organisations that have applied science and technology to deliver the principles of climate-smart agriculture, including greater efficiency, reduced waste and increased profitability.
• Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award
  Open to not-for-profit or voluntary rural groups and organisations promoting or supporting the sustainable economic and/or societal development of their local community. Eligible initiatives may include projects that improve the local economy, enhance the rural environment, promote social engagement and inclusion, or protect and celebrate cultural heritage.

Each category winner will receive:

• €2,000 support package
• An RDS Silver Medal and specially commissioned trophy
• National recognition and press coverage
• Professional video storytelling, including a polished brand film

Runners-up in each category will receive €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit.

Commenting on the launch, Sarah Keating, Sustainability & Innovation Programme Manager, said: “The RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards are a national platform to celebrate the people and organisations shaping a sustainable future for Irish farming and rural life. Across the country, farmers, innovators and community groups are developing creative, practical solutions to the challenges facing rural Ireland today. These Awards recognise their commitment, resilience and leadership and we look forward to showcasing the inspiring work taking place.”

This year’s winners will be announced in April 2026 at a special ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall as part of the annual RDS Finding Common Ground Festival, a two-day public event that brings together scientists, industry professionals, artists, farmers, innovators and policymakers to explore how Ireland can respond to shared environmental and societal challenges, particularly climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable resource use.

Application forms and further information are available at: https://bit.ly/Agriculture_Rural_Awards

Completed entries can be emailed to [email protected] before the deadline of Friday, March 13, 2026.

RDS

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