Rural awards open now for nominations

By IW Observer.co.uk Apr 28, 2022

The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society (RIWAS) and the CLA, which represents rural landowners, have launched the 2022 Isle of Wight rural awards and are inviting nominations.

After missing 2021, due to Covid, the awards return with the following categories: Rural Young Person of the Year (aged 26 and under); Rural Tourism Business of the Year; Wight Marque Food Business of the Year; Small Countryside Business of the Year (up to five employees); Countryside Business of the Year (six or more employees).

There will also be an overall winner from the four business categories, receiving the IW Rural Business of the Year award. In addition, there is a Lifetime Achievement award.

Cindy Betley, from the CLA who are sponsoring the awards said: “These awards celebrate the Island’s vibrant rural economy, which the CLA is proud to support.

“The nomination window is only open for a short period so please get your applications in quickly. We look forward to recognising the innovative, dynamic people and businesses on the Isle of Wight.”

Danny Horne, chairman of RIWAS, said: “This will be the fourth year of the awards and each year they depict the very best of the Island and the rural sector. We hope to receive nominations from right across the Island and would encourage everyone to nominate either themselves or businesses or individuals who make the Island so special.”

Previous winners of IW Rural Awards include Briddlesford Farm, Island Riding Centre, Café Isola, the Garlic Farm, Farmhouse Fayre and Nettlecombe Farm, the 2020 Isle of Wight Rural Business of the Year winner.

Awards nomination forms can be downloaded from riwas.org.uk, or you can get more information by phoning the RIWAS office on 0845 226 9098.