Blantyre Farms is one of twelve finalists in the running for the $5000 NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year award.
They became finalists after their nomination as Young’s Environmental Citizen of the Year award on Australia Day for their sustainable approach to farming. They were nominated after the farm installed a biogas generator to capture the methane from pig manure. The methane is turned into electricity and removes carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
Owner Edwina Beveridge said, “The project is win win win, it reduces our emissions, makes renewable power and made economic sense.”
“The whole team at Blantyre try really hard to do the best in our own little patch, doing our bit to preserve the environment, whether it is using food waste or making power from pig poo. Recognition for our efforts makes the challenges, persistence and hard work all the more worthwhile. We are really proud to be recognised in our local community, we are really grateful to the Hilltops Council for providing this opportunity and excited about the possibility of recognition on a bigger stage.”
Edwina says the farm has further plans, describing how the prize money would help, “Japanese pig farms use food waste differently to us, we would love to travel there, learn more, expand our minds and bring home new and exciting ideas to help preserve our environment. $5000 would go a long way to facilitate such a study trip.”
The winner will be announced on June 5 by the Australia Day Council of NSW.