Competing against dairy, sheep and beef farmers as well as beekeepers and orchardists who promote sustainable land practices, an Opotiki organic kiwifruit-growing couple have won the top trophy in 2018’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Announced at the BFEA’s National Sustainability Showcase in Wellington on June 7, Mark and Catriona White won the Gordon Stephenson trophy – the annual national award.

As recipients, the Whites are recognised as ambassadors for the promotion of sustainable and profitable farming in New Zealand. The trophy is named in honour of Waikato farmer and noted conservationist, the late Gordon Stephenson

The couple gained entry to the event by scooping four awards, including the supreme one, at the BFEA’s Bay of Plenty regional competition in February.

Judging panel chairperson Dianne Kidd says the Whites demonstrate an excellent understanding of all aspects of sustainable food production.

“They’re outstanding strategic and agile thinkers on the key issues for NZ and have strong primary sector and community leadership qualities.

“They are strong users of evidence-based science and technology in their business and orchard and demonstrate a broad global market understanding and a real energy to be agents of change.”

Their BioGro-certified orchard encompasses 3.19ha of Zespri Organic Green kiwifruit and 2.65 ha of Zespri Organic SunGold (G3) fruit.