By Gary Ford, head of strategy and producer engagement, BFREPA
I am minded to write my article about recognition because, in my view, we don’t do it often enough – or at least communicate it – and there are a lot of good things that are being done on behalf of industry and by industry that is fully deserving of recognition.
Recognition of a job well done and as a form of appreciation, works at all levels whether it be Defra officials, researchers looking into Avian Flu, industry representatives or farm staff we all need recognition. Much of the work is done quietly behind the scenes and is not necessarily glamorous, such as research or packing and grading eggs, but are essential and so even more so needs to be recognised by the employer, the line manager or an industry as a whole.
One way of recognising – and celebrating – the good work of producers is to organise awards events and that is exactly why the National Egg and Poultry Awards (NEPA) are so important. Indeed, industry has a good track record when it comes to awards with both BFREPA and Farmers Weekly covering the sector. It has been particularly pleasing to see industry recognising the work of Defra (Gordon Hickman at last year’s NEPA) and APHA (Sascha Van Helvoort) at the BPC’s event in December. For our part we recognised the work of Robert Thompson by giving him the “Free range Champion” award at our awards dinner last November for the never-ending voluntary work he does for the Scottish poultry sector.
We all have a part to play in recognising the good work of others. It could be a spoken word or something in writing – an email perhaps. It doesn’t matter how you do it. The important thing is to do it as it brightens people’s day and makes them realise that all of their hard work is appreciated and valued. A simple act but so powerful in its positivity and feel-good factor.