27th October 2008 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
Oxfordshire man shortlisted for Local Food Farmer of the year
The shortlisted companies in the 2007 Farmers Weekly Agricultural Awards have been named this week and up for Britain’s top Local Food Farmer of the Year sponsored by Farmshop.uk.com is Colin Dawes of Foxbury Farm in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.
Dawes impressed the judges with his strong connection to the local community including schools and petrol stations. Commenting on his only basic principle for running his business he said: “Foxbury first, local second, British third and there is no fourth.”
Charles Trotman, Country Land and Business Association and one of the judges said: “He was quick to capitalise on the opportunities that being a National Trust Tenant offers. He’s identified suitable markets capable of delivering significant growth.”
Over 100 farmers have entered in this year’s Awards with more than 30 businesses in the line-up reflecting the very best that British producers can offer across 12 categories.
The Awards’ aim is to recognise innovation and achievement among individual farmers as well as celebrate excellence within the industry.
In the run-up to the Awards, Farmers Weekly magazine is profiling the shortlisted farms from each category every week, with a focus on the three finalists competing for each award.
Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 31 October.
Press enquiries to Gill East in Corporate Communications on 020 8652 8825 / gill.east@rbi.co.uk
Notes for editors:
- Read the full report on David Prouse published in Farmers Weekly and the other 2007 finalists
- Judging panel for Local Food Farmer of the Year Award
Andrew Watts, news reporter for Farmers Weekly.
Charles Trotman - Country Land and Business Association.
Simon Whitton - Farmshop.uk.com
- The judging panel for the Overall Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year Award
Sir Don Curry, Government Adviser
Sheila Dillon, BBC Radio 4 presenter of the Food Programme
Richard MacDonald, NFU Director General
Jane King, Editor of Farmers Weekly
Debbie Beaton, Awards Director, Farmers Weekly
Click on a picture below to download a high resolution file.
