Farmers and rural businesses encouraged to enter Kent Countryside Awards

Calling all Kent farmers, growers, food producers and rural business contributing to the benefit of the Kent countryside – the 2016 Kent Countryside Awards are still open for entries and nominations.

Any type of business can enter or be nominated for award, which is part of Produced in Kent’s Taste of Kent Awards, as long as they are using Kent produce, or growing, producing or farming in the county and can demonstrate that they go the extra mile to protect Kent’s countryside.

The award recognises the hard work that goes into caring for Kent’s countryside and its environment by those that are working on the land or are a rural business.

Stephanie Durling of Produced in Kent comments: “The main criteria for entering the award is to show what you do to benefit our beautiful Kentish countryside. There are many farmers and producers in the county who not only produce excellent quality goods but who are also making an outstanding contribution to the preservation and enhancement of the natural landscape and this award is to celebrate their work.”

This award is free to enter and is open to all farmers and food producers in Kent regardless of the size of the business, from small to large. Application forms are available from www.producedinkent.co.uk or www.kentdowns.org.uk. Closing date for entries is midday, Monday 11 January 2016 and the winners will be announced at the Taste of Kent Awards annual dinner in March 2016.

The award is sponsored by the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the High Weald AONB and is backed by the Kent National Farmers Union (NFU), the Kent Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and Kent County Agricultural Society.