Nominate The Best Of British!

This is your chance to nominate the people, businesses and organisations you feel are making the difference to what we eat in Britain.

BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme presenter, and host of the awards, Sheila Dillon, says, “As food prices rise and evidence on global warming gets stronger, there’s never been a more important time to honour the food producers, retailers, cooks and campaigners who are keeping alive local, sustainable food supplies.”

The winners will be announced at an exciting awards ceremony in Birmingham in November (details to be announced at a later date).

Nominations are being sought for the following categories: 

BEST TAKE-AWAY – It could be Indian, Italian, Chinese or good old fish and chips.

BEST FOOD PRODUCER – Open to anyone who produces food – from milk or meat to cakes or chocolates.

BEST DINNER LADY/MAN – Whether in a school, a hospital, a care home or the workplace – this is awarded to a cook who provides a wide range of healthy, tasty food in any institutional setting.

BEST LOCAL FOOD RETAILER – It could be your favourite corner shop, butcher, baker or local deli. Tell us about the retailer near you making a difference to the community – and to the producers who supply it.

FARMER OF THE YEAR – The award for someone who has risen to the challenges of farming in the 21st century and is an inspiration to anyone interested in food production and the countryside.

DEREK COOPER AWARD – For the individual or organisation that has done most to increase our knowledge and understanding of good food and the vital role it plays in our lives. 2007’s winner was Compassion in World Farming.
                                               
BEST FOOD MARKET – Awarded to the market making fresh, locally-grown food accessible to its community. As well as farmers’ markets this is open to regular, local food markets with a wide range of high quality produce – particularly in areas ill-served by other retailers.             

BEST RETAIL INITIATIVE – This award is for an imaginative initiative that’s changing the way good quality food is being sourced and sold. It could be a supermarket, wholesaler, website, or chain of food shops – that’s transforming your access to great produce with an original idea.

BBC FOOD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - It could be a writer, broadcaster or chef; a role model who inspires a passion for good food and communicates the importance of great produce with enthusiasm and clarity. Previous winners include: Rick Stein, Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and James Martin.

How to nominate
You need to send your name, address, phone number (and email if possible) and tell the organisers as much as you can about your nominee (in no more than 250 words), their contact details and why they best demonstrate that category’s criteria. The more you say about why they’re so special, the more you’ll help the judges.

For further information visit www.bbc.co.uk/foodawards. Closing date for entries is 10th August 2008.