The inaugural South West Farmer Awards, in association with rural insurer Cornish Mutual, are the perfect opportunity for the region’s farming industry to recognise success, highlight innovation and in particular showcase the work of our future and forward-thinking farmers, writes Jeremy Oatey, board member for Cornish Mutual.

With nominations now closed and the judging process under way, I am certainly looking forward to learning more about those businesses and individuals who are setting the pace in the industry and adapting to a changing market place.

But to me the awards are much more than that.

Being in the agricultural community in the South West is about more than just business. Yes, we need to be profitable and as successful as we can be, but it’s a community that I believe is unlike any sector in the economy – we genuinely live, work and play together.

I have also long believed that the farming industry plays a much more significant role in South West society than is often realised. We are the custodians of the landscape and through our love of the country life, our hard work and commitment to running successful businesses, we in turn craft the amazing landscapes that the Westcountry is so famous for.

This summer has been another bumper year for tourists, and we know that many come down to spend time in the countryside, surrounded by nature. The region’s agricultural community has for generations shaped and nurtured that environment and continues to do so today, and that’s something of which we should all be hugely proud.

The ethos behind these awards very much mirrors the values of the farming community, as well as those of Cornish Mutual, who I am proud to be associated with. The company was started in 1903 by a group of visionary farmers who decided that by taking a co-operative approach and working together they could achieve far more than they could as individuals.

I look forward to the awards dinner and joining everyone in celebrating that togetherness, as well as the brightest and best in our community.