FARMA 2013 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Winners of the 2013 UK Farm Retail Awards from FARMA (The National Farmers’ Retail and Markets’ Association) were announced at an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 12 February as part of the industry’s flagship event, FARM & MORE, at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate. The Awards were presented by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

The Awards, known collectively as the ‘FARMAs’, recognise those farm shops, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own and farm destination sites, which stand out from the crowd in 2013. They exemplify a passion for local food, a commitment to farming and the environment, a talent for retail, and the fruits of a lot of hard work.

The 2013 Winners are:

The FARMAs stand out amongst other ‘local food awards’ as they are judged by the farm retail sector itself, and awarded to those businesses who they believe to be outstanding in what they have achieved and how they have achieved it.

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was also given to Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall, The River Cottage Chef who attended the Awards Ceremony is a patron of FARMA and known for his commitment to local foods and food producers, as well as his concern for high standards of animal welfare.

Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary, commented, “These businesses have won the admiration and allegiance of many people in their communities as great places to shop, and these awards now recognise their excellence as retailers, farmers and producers. It’s an achievement of which they can all be very proud.”