Peebles woman scoops prestigious farming gong
A PEEBLES woman on a mission to educate youngsters about farming has scooped a prestigious award.
Catriona Brown, 25, was announced as this year’s winner of the Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications.
The prize was established by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in memory of the late Scotsman journalist.
It recognises those who actively spread the word about agriculture.
Passionate about bringing farming and the working countryside to life, Catriona from Bonnington Farm, Peebles, is involved in the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) in the Borders.
RHET aims to provide the opportunity for every child in Scotland to learn about food, farming and the countryside and to create a wider understanding of the environmental, economic and social realities of rural Scotland.
Former SRUC student Catriona said: “I’m thrilled to have been presented with the Fordyce Maxwell Award. Educating the population about agriculture is a real passion of mine.
“I believe that if we would like people to buy our produce, we should welcome them to the farm and educate them, especially the younger generation, about provenance and traceability.”
Catriona and her brother Russell feature in the latest episode of OnFarm podcast: OnRecord, a show in recognition of Royal Highland and Agricultural Society
of Scotland’s (RHASS) 240th anniversary which shares agricultural and rural stories.
In Catriona’s episode, she and her brother, 20, discuss the importance of engaging with children and teaching them about where their food comes from.
The Borderer and RHASS competitions and livestock executive added: “We watch the kids come out to the farm and they soon realise the connection between where the produce comes from and what’s available to buy at the supermarket – and that’s so important. It’s great to be able to educate them.
“I feel really honoured to have received this award and very lucky to be in a position that I can positively influence the next generation joining the agricultural sector.”
Journalist Fordyce was a staple in the farming industry, with a 50-year career spent reporting on topical issues including the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001.
Professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of SRUC, said: “We are always delighted to see our students and our alumni playing such a leading role in promoting and communicating positive messages about Scottish farming and the rural sector.
“Catriona’s highly impressive work at RHASS, particularly at the Royal Highland Show, makes her a worthy winner of this year’s Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications and we would like to congratulate her on this marvellous achievement.”