Farmers, Food & Drink Award

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The award

The Business Action Farmers, Food & Drink Award celebrates farming and agricultural businesses and food and drink producers in North Devon.

Farming is a strategic industry for the UK and vital to establishing food security for the population. Farming is one of the most ancient industrial activities and played a fundamental role in shaping the towns and villages of North Devon, many developing around livestock, meat and vegetable markets where produce was traded. Farmers continue to maintain the North Devon landscape, especially under threat from human development which is not always sympathetic either to nature or our invaluable culture.

The Farmers, Food & Drink Award recognises North Devon businesses who contribute to the local economy and community through producing high quality food, crops and other produce, while preserving the land for future generations. It also takes into account the challenges the farming sector faces through extensive regulation, bureaucracy and taxation.

We’re looking for farmers who produce first-class meat, dairy and arable crops, fishing businesses catching fish, shellfish and more, producers who make food such as as honey, jams, marmalades and preserves, pickles and drinks such as local wines and beers, chefs and bakers who make bread, cakes, chocolate, sweets and other food and beverages.

Let’s fly the flag for North Devon farmers, food, drink – now and for future generations!

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NFU Mutual Barnstaple, Bideford & Halwill

NFU Mutual Barnstaple, Bideford and Halwill Agency is proud to sponsor the North Devon Farmers, Food & Drink Award. We are delighted to be offered the opportunity to be involved with these awards, recognising and celebrating the success of local businesses across North Devon. We have been impressed with the breadth and quality of the entrants and feel that the judges will have some difficult decisions to make. With over a century of experience, NFU Mutual has been part of the fabric of the local community for many years, and it is an important part of who we are. Our friendly agency teams in Barnstaple and Halwill take pride in establishing direct and long-lasting relationships with customers, many of whom are businesses across North Devon who value a personal approach and excellent customer service.
■ Call us on 01271 343592/01409 220191 or visit our offices at Lauder Lane, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple, EX31 3TA or NFU House, Station Road, Halwill Junction, Beaworthy, EX21 5XB

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Criteria

The judges are looking for evidence of at least one of the criteria below. You don’t have to meet all – just use them as a guide for your entry – what’s most important is for you to tell your story!

• Production of outstanding livestock or growing produce of any kind
• Production of first-class food or drink products of any kind
• Preservation of rural culture and food heritage through practices and skills
• Commitment to the environment, wildlife and sustainability
• Reputation for providing excellent North Devon food and/or drink

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Who can enter?

The Farmers, Food & Drink Award is open to any business operating a farm or agricultural business in North Devon, including livetsock, poultry or arable farms, market gardens, vineyards, fish farms, and to any business making food products, from chocolate and confectionery to pies and pasties, bread and cakes, honey, jam and preserves, pickles, cordials, beers and wines,.

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Category rules for entry

Please follow the category rules below, which also include useful suggestions on how to ensure your entry showcases achievements in the best possible light.

1. You can enter your own business or another business for this award.
2. This award is for any farming or food and drink business in or near North Devon.
3. Ensure you read the awards terms and conditions.
4. Read the criteria and the questions on the form below in advance so that you understand what the judges are looking for and tailor your answers to these.
5. There is no restriction on how much information you can provide in your answers, although please ensure that anything you say is relevant to this award. The questions are deliberately open to enable you to submit the best possible entry and the examples given are purely illustrative. Add any other information you feel is important to highlight success.
6. Provide as much detail and evidence as possible to back up your claims, including relevant links to web sites and videos.
7. Write and save your answers in a note-making or word-processing app first and copy them into the form below. This ensures you do not lose anything you have taken a long time to write.
8. Attach any files, eg customer compliments or images of products, to support your entry.
9. The closing date for entries is 23:59 on Tuesday 10 March 2026.

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Award now closed for entries

Thank you.