Michael shares this latest news on behalf of the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA) Ed
The CLA and the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society have announced the return of their prestigious awards celebrating rural work and life on the Island – and nominations are now open.
The awards will this year honour those who go the extra mile to support the rural economy, from food and drink producers to tourism businesses.
Six categories for Awards
Nominations open today (Friday), with the winners to be crowned at the Royal Isle of Wight County Show on 30 June in the Show Theatre at 2.45pm.
To enter, businesses, individuals and organisations can nominate themselves, or be nominated by others.
The categories in the Isle of Wight Rural Awards 2019 are:
- Food and drink business
- Rural tourism business
- Rural commerce business
- An overall winner from the above three categories
- Lifetime achievement
- Rural apprentice of the year
The very best of rural achievement
The awards recognise those individuals and businesses who represent the very best of rural achievement on the Isle of Wight.
The panel of judges, made up of representatives from the CLA, the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society and an independent chairperson, will assess, meet and interview the shortlisted finalists ahead of the show.
CLA South East represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses across the Isle of Wight and is also sponsoring the Village Green at the show once again.
Bennett: Keen to give back to this community
Senior Adviser on the Island, Claire Bennett, said:
“We at the CLA are proud to be a part of the rural community on the Island.
“We are keen to give back to this community and recognise some of the key players who make this Island as beautiful as it is.
“Last year we had some fantastic winners, and we’re hoping for more of the same this summer.”
Biss: Showcasing success of rural industries
Graham Biss, Vice Chairman of RIWAS, said:
“Part of RIWAS’ charitable role is to raise awareness of rural issues on the Isle of Wight, and we also want to celebrate our successes.
“These awards really showcase the success of rural industries on the Island, and after such a successful launch last year we are looking forward to meeting even more brilliant nominees in 2019.”
Previous winners
Last year the Rural Business of the Year award went to Briddlesford Farm, while George Biss was crowned Rural Young Person of the Year.
Cowes Primary School triumphed in the Isle of Wight Primary School of the Year category, while the award for Wight Marque Food Business of the Year went to The Tomato Stall.
The Sustainable Business Champion category was won by Island Riding Centre, while Tom Phillips was named Isle of Wight Farm Worker of the Year.
Nominate today
To nominate please download the application form on the RIWAS website and submit it before the final deadline of 26th April – visit the Website.
