PFLA wins Innovative Community Award

The team at the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association has been recognised for creating an ‘Innovative Community’ in the recent Farm491 Agritech Innovation Awards.

Farm491, the rural enterprise hub in Cirencester where the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association is now based, launched it Innovation Awards in December. (Farm491 takes its name from the 491ha of Cotswold farmland available for research and testing.)

The aim was to raise recognition for businesses, which are exploring and using new ideas and innovative techniques that will shape the future of British farming.

Kindly sponsored by patent and trademark attorneys Wynne-Jones IP, the awards were presented at a gathering of Farm491 members and staff.

Royal Agricultural University (RAU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Jo Price opened and closed the inaugural awards ceremony. There was a real buzz as everyone connected to Farm491 came together to celebrate each other’s achievements.

The PFLA received their award in recognition of how the membership has grown, using on-line platforms for communication and knowledge exchange.

Also for their use of QR codes, which their certified beef and sheep farmers put onto their packaging when selling their meat. When consumers scan the code on their phone, or enter the number into a page on the PFLA website, details about the farm and animal the meat came from pops onto their screen. This level of traceability means the ‘Pasture for Life’ system is completely transparent and honest.

PFLA Development Manager Russ Carrington, who collected the award on behalf of the organisation, said:

“It was a great surprise to receive the award and the £750 prize money was very welcome. We shall put it towards the further development of our thriving community of farmers and butchers.

“It has been hard work getting the PFLA to where it is today and we have great hopes for attracting even more members over the coming months and years. Being part of Farm491 is refreshing and exciting and receiving this award has been brilliant. It makes us feel that we are definitely doing something right!”

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