Filed under: British Isles

The BBC has launched its annual Food and Farming Awards. This is to award the people and organisations working to promote good food in Britain. There are several categories, as listed below, in which nominations are accepted. The closing date for entries is the 15th September.

• Best 'Dinner Lady (or man)
  For the best cook offering healthy meals in an institution such as a school, hospital, care home etc. Local food must be cooked on the premises.
• Best Take-Away
  Here they are looking for the very best Indian, Italian, Chinese, or good old fish and chips.
• Best Local Food Retailer
  These are the very cream of local butchers, fish mongers, bakers and delicatessants.
• Best Food Producer
  For producers of food from milk and meat through to cakes and drinks.
• Farmer of the Year
  The Farming Today award for facing the challenges of farming in the 21st century.
• Best Regional/National Retail Initiative
  For any chain of food shops or supermarkets supplying food on a large scale - ethical and sustainability are the keys here.
• BBC Food Personality of the Year
  This is the award for TV chefs, broadcasters or writers.
• The Derek Cooper Special Award
  For the individual or organisation that's done most to increase our understanding of good food and the vital role it plays in our lives.