THE Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) is once again seeking entries in the three award schemes that it runs each year, for community eco-projects, farming innovators and long serving farm workers, all of which will be presented at the Devon County Show in May.

The Prince of Wales Award is geared to local sustainability. Transition towns, local food co-operatives, renewable energy projects, communal composters, new allotments — if they are community based, sustainable and in Devon, then they could qualify for the award, which comes with a cheque for £1,000.

The John Neason Award has a stronger farming focus, being geared to individual farmers or groups of farmers who are breaking new ground in the way they produce or market the many different types of farm output.

The final award encourages Devon farmers to nominate their farm staff for a Long Service Award.

Any employee who has completed at least 30 years service in agriculture, horticulture or forestry in the county with the same employer or on the same holding can qualify for an award, complete with certificate and glass tankard, and there are cash prizes of £80, £50 and £30 respectively for the three longest serving workers.

Recipients of a certificate or trophy from a previous show are not eligible for another certificate or trophy, but may qualify for a cash award, provided they have not previously received one.

The closing date for the awards is March 28, which is also the date against which the length of service will be judged for the purposes of the awards.

Application forms are available from Julie Wallace by email [email protected]">[email protected] or by calling 01392 353710.