FBD Launches Pig Farming Awards and €10,000 Bursary

FBD, an insurance company, has announced the establishment of the FBD Pig Farming Awards 2026, along with a €10,000 Innovation Bursary. This initiative aims to underscore FBD's commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and leadership within Ireland's pig industry. The awards program is designed to celebrate exceptional accomplishments in areas such as pig production, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and overall industry leadership. Concurrently, the Innovation Bursary is intended to provide financial support to an individual who can contribute practical benefits to the sector through research, innovation, and knowledge transfer. The winners of the awards and the recipient of the bursary will be revealed at a ceremony scheduled for October 14, 2026, at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare. Michael Berkery, chairman of FBD Trust, expressed admiration for the Irish pig industry's competitiveness and resilience, highlighting FBD's ongoing support for Irish farming. The awards will include categories such as Herd Productivity, Animal Health and Welfare, Pig Unit Environmental Sustainability, and the flagship Pig Farmer of the Year 2026. An independent panel of industry experts will judge all entries. The Innovation Bursary is open to pig farmers, managers, veterinarians, researchers, academics, and other industry professionals. Selected candidates will need to submit a proposal detailing how they will utilize the funding for measurable impact, with a reporting requirement within nine months of project completion. Applications for both the awards and the bursary will open on June 10, 2026, and will close on September 18, 2026.