Northern Ireland Urged to Nominate Its Food, Drink and Farming Heroes
Northern Ireland is being asked to nominate its food, drink and farming heroes before 15 June
The BBC Food & Farming Awards – aka The FAFA’s – are coming to Belfast for the first time, with the
ceremony taking place at Titanic Belfast on 21 October 2026.
People across Northern Ireland are being asked to nominate the farmers, food producers, drink
makers, young countryside champions, digital creators, businesses and local heroes who deserve
national recognition.
Nominations are free, simple to complete, and open now at www.bbc.co.uk/foodawards
People can nominate someone else, their own business, farm, product, group or organisation, or
themselves.
The deadline is 12 noon on Monday 15 June 2026.
This year’s Head Judge is Paula McIntyre, the Northern Ireland chef, broadcaster and food writer.
She follows previous Head Judges including Jamie Oliver, Yotam Ottolenghi, Angela Hartnett and
Tom Kerridge.
Paula McIntyre said:
“Northern Ireland is full of brilliant food, drink and farming stories, but many of the people behind
them are far too modest about what they do. These awards are a chance to change that. If you
know someone who deserves recognition, or if you are doing work you are proud of, please enter.”
The awards celebrate people doing outstanding work in food, drink, farming and the countryside.
They might be growing, making or selling local produce, finding new ways to farm, protecting nature,
improving food and health, using social media to reach new audiences, or helping more people enjoy
the outdoors.
There are seven main awards people can enter:
Best Food Producer
For people and businesses making outstanding food.
Best Drinks Producer
For people and businesses making outstanding drinks.
Digital Creator
For people using social media or digital platforms to talk about food, farming or the environment.
Farming for the Future
For farmers and farming businesses finding practical answers to the challenges facing farming and
helping build a more resilient and sustainable future.
Food Innovation
For people, businesses or organisations with new ideas that could improve food, farming, health or
the environment.
Countryfile Young Countryside Champion
For young people aged 16 to 24 who are making a difference in the countryside, farming, nature,
wildlife, the environment, or helping more people enjoy the outdoors.
BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award
A brand new award for Northern Ireland, launched by BBC Radio Ulster’s Your Place and Mine. It
celebrates people who make, grow, sell or champion great local food and have a strong connection
to their community.
This could mean farmers in Fermanagh, artisans in Armagh, dairy producers in Down, bakers or
butchers, grocers or growers, chutney or cheese makers or food and social enterprises anywhere in
the six counties.
The judges are looking for passionate, future-facing people providing high-quality, home-grown,
seasonal food that shows the special flavour of Northern Ireland. It will also help uncover hidden
gems: modest, talented people whose work deserves to be known more widely.
There is also the Derek Cooper Outstanding Achievement Award, chosen by the judges. This special
award marks a lifetime’s contribution, or an extraordinary contribution, to food, drink or farming.
Entering is easy online. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/foodawards choose the award category and complete
the online form. Each form explains what the judges are looking for and gives details of previous
winners.
You will be asked for your name, the name of the person, product, business, farm, group or
organisation you are nominating, and their address. Please remember to include the address. Then
answer a few clear questions about what they do and why they deserve to win and press submit.
Every year, thousands of people from across the UK send in nominations. Being shortlisted or
winning can bring national attention, new customers, fresh opportunities and wider support.
With the awards coming to Belfast, it’s a chance for Northern Ireland to step forward with
confidence. So, if you know a brilliant farmer, baker, butcher, grower, maker, producer, food
business, young countryside champion or local food hero, nominate them.
And if that person is you, nominate yourself. Enter free by 12 noon on Monday 15 June 2026 at
www.bbc.co.uk/foodawards
