The awards will be presented at 11:45 a.m., Agronomy Day, Thursday, Jan. 21, during the 2010 Delaware Agriculture Week at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.

The award program, which began in 2001, recognizes farmers whose natural resource stewardship and general farm management practices contribute to the protection and preservation of the environment and water quality, and the enhancement of their property.

The state winner will receive a check for $1,000. Other finalists will receive checks for $500.
All finalists will receive a plaque and a lane sign for their operation.

Eligible farmers are those who fulfill the following requirements:

• Be a Delaware farmer, nominated by program sponsors
• Be Delaware certified and have a nutrient management plan
• Not have been a winner, finalist or nominee for the Delaware Environmental Stewardship program in the past three years
• Demonstrate extraordinary environmental stewardship practices.

Nominations must be submitted to the Delaware Nutrient Management Program by Thursday, Dec. 31.

To select and recognize the 2009 Environmental Stewards, the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission is partnering with the following companies and organization that are also funding the awards: Allen Family Foods, Mountaire Farms of Delaware, Perdue Farms and the Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association.

Bill Vanderwende, chairman of the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission, said, “This award program is proof positive of the commitment of Delaware farmers and agribusinesses to protect Delaware’s environment, water quality and vital agricultural lands.

“I want to thank all who continue to make it possible.”

Awards are based on the following criteria:

• Nutrient management
• Best management practices
• Farm management, innovation, biodiversity and wildlife management
• Off-farm agricultural-related activities
• General nature of the farming operation
• Aesthetics and community involvement
• Other environmental and agricultural awards.

Program Administrator Bill Rohrer said, “Nutrient management is vital to the health of our environment.

“I am glad we are able to recognize those who go above and beyond the requirements and set the example within the agricultural community.”

For nominations or more information, contact the Nutrient Management Program at 302-698-4500 or 800-282-8685 in Delaware only.