Dozens of farmers and food businesses have already entered this year’s Hereford Times Food and Farming Awards, but time is running out to get your nomination in, with entries due to close at midday tomorrow, Friday, April 30.
So if you’re a farmer dedicated to rearing or growing our food, a producer committed to creating the best food and drink from local produce, or a restaurant, cafe or tearoom delivering the best of Herefordshire on a plate, and you haven’t put yourself forward, now’s the time to do so.
Agriculture is the biggest industry in Herefordshire and has shaped the landscape and the personality of the county, giving rise to a thriving hospitality industry.
In a year like no other, food, especially locally sourced food, has taken centre stage as never before, and what could be better than an award recognising the commitment, passion, skill and talent you’ve delivered in a year that’s been anything but easy.
Once again, the awards ceremony will be a virtual event, streamed live on the Hereford Times facevook page on Thursday, June 17, but it will be no less glamorous – hosted by TV personality and antiques expert Kate Bliss, with messages of support from an array of celebrities – including Bake Off runner-up Alice Fevronia, comedians Henning Wehn and Jason Manford and Strictly star Debbie McGee.
As well as sponsoring the Best Food Producer category, the Addington Fund will once again be the chosen Charity of the Year, with all donations received before the end of June going directly to support the charity’s vital work helping the farming community. and a delicious Herefordshire food hamper full of locally produced goodies (competition details to be released soon).
Bill Young, chief executive, said: “We at the Addington Fund are delighted not only to be chosen as the Charity of the Year but also to support a category in this year’s Hereford Times Food and Farming Awards.
“We have a long tradition of supporting farmers in the Three Counties, and our chairman, Peter Jinman, is Herefordshire-based so it seemed totally natural to be involved again this year, and we are really pleased to be asked.”
For more information about the Addington Fund visit www.addingtonfund.org.uk.
This year’s awards are bigger and better than ever, expanded to incorporate and recognise those businesses that make such great use of the wealth of produce grown in Herefordshire – with restaurants, cafes and tea shops, food and drink producers and local food retailers joining the categories in line for awards.
So don’t delay – if there is someone you feel deserves to be recognised for their achievements – their dedication, professionalism or innovation, visit www.herefordtime.com/awards/foodandfarming and complete the online form to make a nomination.
Hereford Times Food and Farming Award categories:
- Cattle Farmer
- Poultry Farmer
- Arable/Fruit or Hop farmer
- Family-run farm or Smallholding
- Farm Conservation and Diversification
- Best Farm Shop
- Best Local Food Retailer
- Best Dairy Producer
- Best Food Producer (excluding dairy)
- Best Drinks Producer
- Best restaurant
- Best cafe or tearoom
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