Farmers Weekly Awards 2025: Farming Champion of the Year

The MP Alistair Carmichael has been named the Farmers Weekly 2025 Farming Champion for his work on behalf of crofters, farmers and rural communities, both in Scotland and across Britain.

A farmer’s son, born and brought up on Islay, Alistair was first elected in 2001 as Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland, the UK’s most northerly constituency.

His advocacy for agriculture, however, reaches far beyond his own patch.

See also: FW Awards 2025: Meet the finalists

According to the NFU, Alistair has “meticulously and consistently” used his role as chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee to champion British farmers and growers.

He has challenged bad policy and poor process, and has flown the flag for farming and the vital role it plays in the economy and the environment.

“He has held the executive to account relentlessly on the awful Family Farm Tax, and skilfully ensured his reports represented the views of all members, including Labour MPs,” says NFU president Tom Bradshaw.

“He’s been a champion in numerous other areas too, both in the committee room and the chamber, as well as on the airwaves. The select committee chairs are the most senior backbenchers in the Commons.

“As one of the most significant of those, Alistair has been farming’s champion every day, at a time when we most needed it. 

“He is a great friend of Britain’s farmers – sometimes a critical friend, offering honest advice and no little wisdom. But more than anything he has been in there fighting for us when it counted most.”

Unflinching defender

According to Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron, Alistair has been “unflinching” in defending rural communities.

He adds that Alistair has brought people together from across the political spectrum, seeking to move the government towards wiser and fairer policies.

“Alistair has been a friend for many years and throughout that time he has always understood farming and fishing communities, taking their side and speaking up for them,” Tim says.

“This past year, he has used his new role as chair of the Efra select committee to be the most powerful of voices for farmers as they face the toughest times.

“As an MP for a large rural constituency with 1,500 farmers, I am so grateful to him for fighting their corner with authority and tenacity.”

Julia Stoddart, a crofter on Skye, says: “We need politicians whose convictions align with reality, and who are loyal to their people.

“Mr Carmichael’s knowledge and experience give him an authenticity that generates impressive political advocacy for farming, fishing and related rural issues.

“He consistently gives voice to our worries about food security and local economies, so he is truly deserving of the sector’s thanks for his relentless commitment to our cause.”

This is a sentiment shared by Laura Sinclair, a crofter in Alistair’s constituency and vice-president of the Shetland branch of NFU Scotland.

“Crofters and farmers work hard, adhere to high welfare standards and produce high-quality and sustainable food while supporting a rich and diverse natural environment.

“Up here in Shetland, crofts are essential in producing local food and keeping communities together,” she says. 

“We need the public to be more aware of this, and Alistair does a great job of making that happen.

“At a time when many politicians and civil servants have little grasp of how the countryside functions or where their food comes from, we’re lucky to have someone who cares so much about our way of life.

“Alistair is working hard to ensure crofters such as my family and countless others are still here in generations to come.”