Nominate top farmers and food producers

The deadline for nominations in the 2017 Food and Farming Awards is looming.

The awards, run by the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture, aim to recognise the island’s most forward-looking farmers and food producers.

Last year saw the awards widened from solely farming in recognition of the fact that food producers are offering consumers a wide range of tasty and healthy choices.

Nominations close on Friday, March 31.

DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot said: ‘Through its Food Matters strategy, my department is encouraging the growth of the food and drink sector, which makes an invaluable contribution to the economy.

‘Farmers and food producers are at the heart of the strategy and these awards recognise those who have keen interest in the market place, diversify to meet consumers’ demand and create products the island can be proud of.’

The awards are sponsored by Shoprite. The company’s senior buyer, John Speakman, said: ‘We see the awards as a way to encourage farmers and food producers to seek to produce the best food products to supply a growing demand.

‘Supporting local production is beneficial to the Isle of Man economy as well as providing long-term sustainability and traceability in our food supply.’

The awards will be judged by the Minister; Mr Speakman; Dr Peter McEvoy, DEFA’s director of agriculture; Andrew Lees, DEFA’s food business development manager; Brian Brumby, president of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, and Andy Corrin, president of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

The winners will be revealed on Friday, August 11 at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show. They will each receive £200 in Shoprite vouchers, trophies and certificates.

Last year’s farming winners were Kneale Brothers of Lough Dhoo Farm, in Ballaugh.

The food production award was won by Andreas Meat Company. They were chosen for producing not only a quality local product but one which is widely available and reasonably priced.

Nominations should carry a brief overall reason and describe how they meet the awards’ criteria:

For farmers: Efficient and profitable farming; meeting consumer demands with their produce; the promotion of locally produced food; innovative farm diversification; farming in ways that conserve the environment for the future.

For food producers: Market focused; local food promotion; resilience; competitiveness; use of local produce.

Nominations should be sent to Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer, DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale, an, IM4 3AS or email [email protected]