Shailesh Vara MP presented Mr Luke Abblitt of Daintree Farm, Ramsey St Mary’s with a certificate of achievement for his voluntary work with local schools.

The award was organised by the National Farmers Union. Mr Abblitt’s nomination will now go forward to the Regional Awards. He will also be invited to an NFU reception in Parliament in November. The reception will celebrate the enormous contributions that farmers make to their communities.

Mr Vara visited Mr Abblitt at his farm where they discussed a number of issues concerning the rural community and the work Mr Abblitt does to educate young people in local schools about food production on farms. Mr Abblitt hopes to persuade the next generation to pursue careers in agriculture, and to show how farming can protect the environment against climate change.

Following the visit Mr Vara said:

“I was very pleased to meet Luke and present him with the NFU ‘Community Farming Hero’ Award. Luke is very passionate about highlighting the advantages of a career in agriculture to local young people.

“Inspiring the next generation of farmers is an achievement he should be very proud of and I wish him well in the Regional Finals.”

Mr Abblitt commented:

“Receiving this award was a total surprise to me. I was very honoured to meet Mr Vara and have the pleasure of showing him around Daintree Farm.

“We discussed matters concerning the rural community and how I am passionately working with local schools to educate young people about the importance of farming.”

Photo: Luke Abblitt and Shailesh Vara MP