The East Neuk of Fife estate was recognised for its commitment to cultivating and caring for the natural environment, nurturing local business and supporting the vibrant community. Native breeds including Lincoln Red cattle, Tamworth pigs and a range of native sheep are central to Balcaskie’s low-input, sustainable farming system, and to the management of the wider landscape to help promote natural biodiversity.
The farm has developed a reputation for its innovative approach to farming and food and drink production. Based on Balcaskie Estate, Bowhouse – a centre for artisan food and drink producers – hosts regular monthly Market Weekends and is home to a thriving butchery, brewery, café, flour mill, café and food store.
The Sustainable Farm of the Year was presented by sponsor, Sarah Taylor of Burness Paul to Sam Parsons, Farms & Estate Director. Sam said:
“The Balcaskie Estate team are delighted to receive the award RBST award for sustainable large farm. Our adoption of native breeds to suit our organic pasture-based production system is essential in breeding suitable livestock to match our farm and produce the highest quality meat, with growing demand from retail and chef customers alike. We see that native breeds are essential in the future of differentiating UK farming from our global competition. Moving the dial for some of the rarer and at risk breeds is both good for our domestic gene bank and good for our customers too.”
Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is the national charity that promotes the UK’s rare native livestock and equine breeds. The RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability awards celebrate the people and businesses throughout Scotland’s farming and food industry who have placed environmental sustainability and native breeds at the centre of their business.
The winners of the 2025 RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards were recognised at the Royal Highland Show. A number of these awards for excellence in sustainable food and farming were presented to winners from across Scotland by Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie MSP said: “I am delighted to be part of the RBST Scottish Forum’s Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards, as we celebrate the people and businesses throughout our farming and food industry who place environmental sustainability at the heart of what they do. I would like to congratulate everyone taking part and hope that they have a wonderful time at this year’s show.”
The winners of the six categories were chosen from the entrants by a judging panel led by RBST Scotland Chair Rebecca McLellan who said: “Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s RBST Food & Farming Sustainability Awards, who are showcasing the excellence that can be achieved for communities, for the environment and for native breeds in farming, food production and retail. The standard of entries was incredibly high and it was a real pleasure to hear about the fantastic projects, businesses and individuals championing native breeds. RBST is proud to showcase and celebrate such expertise, dedication and innovation in sustainable farming, land management and food production.”
Find out more at 2025 RBST Food & Farming Sustainability Awards Presented at Royal Highland Show | Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
