By Isle of Wight Observer
Nominations have opened for this year’s Isle of Wight Rural Awards, organised by the Royal IW Agricultural Society (RIWAS), and sponsored by CLA.
Entries are invited ahead of the closing date on May 1, with awards set to be presented at the Royal Isle of Wight County Show, on Saturday, July 11.
The 2026 categories are Food Business of the Year, Rural Tourism Business of the Year, Rural Art and Craft Business of the Year, Small Countryside Business of the Year (for businesses with up to five employees), Countryside Business of the Year (six or more employees), Rural Young Person of the Year for those aged 26 and under, and Primary School Participation.
An overall winner from the five business categories will receive the Isle of Wight Rural Business of the Year award. There is also a Lifetime Achievement award.
Tim Bamford, regional director of CLA South East, said: “The CLA is proud to once again be supporting these awards championing the Isle of Wight’s dynamic rural economy.
“We’d encourage individuals and businesses to get involved and nominate, and we hope to see you at the show presentation in July.”
Graham Biss, vice-chairman of RIWAS, said the awards “depict the very best of the Island and the rural sector”.
Nomination forms can be downloaded from iw.observer/rural-awards, or requested from the RIWAS office by phoning 296244.
Mal Butler