The Environment Agency has revealed its list of finalists for the forthcoming Water Efficiency Awards.

The agriculture and horticulture category of the awards, which is sponsored by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), recognises projects that demonstrate water-efficient measures that have led to long-term savings.

Place UK is in the running for the award and is a fruit and vegetable grower based in Norfolk – one of the driest regions in England. However, the business managed to reduce water consumption by 38 per cent in its production of bean sprouts. This resulted in a saving of approximately £12,200 last year.

Another contender is Unigro Plc. Unigro specialises in 'pesticides-free' fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. The company has its own growing system using controlled irrigation that managed to cut water consumption by 50 per cent making a saving of £12,000 last year.

Barbara Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency said: 'All the shortlisted projects demonstrate that saving water chan have a positive impact on a business and the environment. It is pleasing to see that many of the finalists have made simple changes that can easily be replicated by other organisations.' The winners will be selected at the 2003 Water Efficiency Awards ceremony to be held on June 5. The shortlist features 31 entries split across seven categories.

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