HRH The Prince of Wales presents the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award
Robert Jackets, apprentice at Salle Farms was the winner of this year’s Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award. Robert is studying the Crop Technician Level 3 Course at Easton College, and grew up just two miles away from Salle Farms, dreaming of working on the large machinery there. Within his application Robert took the time to go through many of the things Salle Farms currently do to limit their environmental impact. He explained his interest in field margins and their benefits, being heavily involved in their implementation at Salle through the Countryside Stewardship Agreement.
The Award was presented to Robert at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show by committed environmentalist, HRH The Prince of Wales. The award is a partnership between the Diocese of Norwich and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, with help from the Food & Farming Discovery Trust. The award is open to employees and apprentices, under the age of 21, who work for a Norfolk-based employer in the land-based sector. This prestigious award aims to raise the profile of land-based environment employment opportunities and apprenticeship schemes within Norfolk and hopes to enhance the CV of the winner.
Robert said: “Growing up I’ve always had a passion for farming, agriculture and big machinery. I don’t come from a farming community family, but I grew up surrounded by countryside. Getting the apprenticeship was great, and now getting a full time job is a dream come true. In the future I’d like to help mentor other apprentices and do more with cultivation and drilling. I’m really happy and grateful to receive this award.”
Bishop Graham said: “Robert is a worthy winner in the second year of this award. It was encouraging to see his interest in soil types, minimal tillage and cover crops and I wish him well as he seeks to pursue a career specialising in crop cultivation. It gives me hope in the future of environmentally conscious farming that seeks to enhance biodiversity. I am passionate about the care of God’s creation, and I’m delighted that Robert appreciates the natural world as much as I have in my life.”