The ROYAL ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY have partnered with The Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability to promote insect science among UK farming community

The Royal Entomological Society (RES) is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability, organised by leading agricultural solutions company BASF. This partnership is launched in advance of Insect Week 2025, RES’s annual celebration of insect science. The award celebrates farmers who successfully intergrate environment stewardship alongside profitable agriculture .RES joins existing partners The Andersons Centre and The Country Trust, in supporting sustainable agriculture

Simon Ward, CEO of the Royal Entomological Society said:

“Around 70% of all land in the UK is agricultural and there is a clear and urgent need for it to be managed and farmed more sustainability to repair and safeguard biodiversity and soil health. Insects are both friends and foes of farmers and we understand the challenges farmers face in recognising the difference and implementing profitable solutions. Supporting more farmers to promote the ‘friends’ to manage the ‘foes’ is a key driver for the RES in partnering with BASF and The Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability. We look forward to helping BASF celebrate the innovative practices that growing numbers of farmers are rolling out across their farms, and highlighting ways all farmers can begin to manage their land more sustainably without loss of yield.”

The award was launched in 2022 to celebrate 20 years of sustainability initiatives with the Hinchliffe family at Rawcliffe Bridge in East Yorkshire. Since then, it has championed farmers who are adopting new approaches and embracing the need for change. The RES partnership offers farmers taking part in the award scheme access to insect science led advice and research, helping them deliver greater benefits for nature while providing sustainable and secure food production in the UK.

While many farming practices in the UK are rooted in tradition, a growing number of farmers are actively embracing change to promote sustainable agriculture. In the face of challenges such as climate change and geopolitical instability, they are adopting innovative techniques like reduced tillage, cover cropping, IPM techniques and beneficial habitat creation, along with diversifying their operations and engaging in public outreach initiatives to secure the future of UK agriculture.

Alice Johnston, BASF Sustainability Manager, said:

“Much like soil health, insect biodiversity is fundamental to farmland sustainability and successful integrated pest management, which is why we could not be more thrilled to welcome such a prestigious partner to support The Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability. As a global leader, with an ambitious strategy, we are committed to boosting sustainable agriculture by 2030. Part of this is the understanding of insect population dynamics here across the UK and increasing the on-farm knowledge of the benefits of these populations. Collaborating with those who share our sustainability values in the core areas of environment, societal contribution and profitability is critical to the future of sustainable farming. Having seen our winners engage with new opportunities, I've no doubt that the scientific insight and learnings of the RES will bring immense value to winners for many years to come."

The 2025 winner will be announced at the BASF’s ‘Celebrating Sustainability’ event on 9th July at Rutland Vineyard.

The winner will receive free RES membership; access to some of the latest agricultural entomology research; invitations to attend events, including the RES Sustainable Agriculture Special Interest Group helping farmers connect directly with researchers. The RES will also help highlight and champion the achievements of finalists, supporting a growing trend towards sustainable and profitable farming practices.

The RES exists to advance insect science through research and global scientific collaboration and to increase public understanding and appreciation of insects and the diverse and important roles they play in our global ecosystems.

For further information about the RES and how to join the Society visit www.royentsoc.org .

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