The British Farming Awards has announced an exciting new category for 2025: Regenerative Farmer of the Year, created and sponsored by The Ethical Butcher. This award was created in collaboration with Farshad Kazemian, founder and CEO of The Ethical Butcher, to recognise the growing importance of regenerative agriculture, a movement that prioritises soil health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and sustainable food production. As farming faces increasing pressures, from climate change to rising input costs and consumer demand for sustainability, this award highlights those farmers leading the way in building resilient, nature-friendly systems. 

"'Sponsoring the Regenerative Farmer of the Year award at the British Farming Awards is a natural extension of our mission at The Ethical Butcher, to champion farming practices that restore ecosystems, nourish communities, and produce truly ethical food. We believe regenerative agriculture is not just the future of farming, it's the future of food, and we're proud to support and celebrate the pioneering farmers who are leading the way."

Farshad Kazemian, CEO The Ethical Butcher.

Why Regenerative Farming Matters

Regenerative farming goes beyond sustainability; it aims to restore and enhance natural ecosystems. By improving soil organic matter, reducing synthetic inputs, and increasing biodiversity, regenerative practices create long-term resilience, helping farms combat extreme weather, improve profitability, and sequester carbon. With the UK targeting net zero emissions by 2050, regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in reducing farming's environmental footprint while maintaining productive and profitable businesses. 

Many farmers are already adopting minimal tillage, cover cropping, rotational grazing, and diverse cropping systems to reduce reliance on fertilisers and pesticides, enhance soil structure, and increase water retention. These methods not only benefit the environment but also lower costs and improve farm productivity, ensuring a viable future for British agriculture. 

A Timely Award for a Growing Movement

The introduction of the Regenerative Farmer of the Year award comes at a critical time. Consumer awareness of sustainable food production is at an all-time high, and policy shifts such as the UK's Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) are encouraging farmers to adopt regenerative principles. This award will provide recognition and inspiration, celebrating those who are pioneering new approaches to sustainable farming while sharing their knowledge with others in the industry. 

The British Farming Awards has long championed innovation and resilience within the sector. By introducing this category, it is acknowledging the importance of forward-thinking, climate-smart farming and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and regenerative future for British agriculture. Get to know our new sponsor, The Ethical Butcher, at this year's Groundswell Festival where they will be actively recruiting regenerative farmers to join their movement for change.  

The British Farming Awards looks forward to welcoming the agricultural community once again to the VOX Birmingham on 16 October and celebrating the achievements of its contemporaries.