Leading agricultural and rural charity supports food and drink award

The Devon County Show and Westpoint Arena are delighted that Dartmoor Farmers were winners of a prestigious award jointly sponsored for the first time this year by the two sectors of the Devon County Agricultural Association. The Carol Trewin South West Producer of the Year award was a category in the 2011 Taste of the West Awards.

Ollie Allen, Devon County Show Secretary, said: “We were over the moon that not only did Dartmoor Farmers win our category but they also took the award for Champion Product as well.”

“Agriculture, and the food it produces, is at the very heart of the County Show. We offer a massive ‘shop window’ for farmers and the countryside, as well as local food and drink producers to promote themselves to the Show visitors and offer them a ‘taste, try and buy’ experience.”

Dartmoor Farmers Ltd were runners-up in the 2009 Devon Diversification Award which is organised by the Devon County Agricultural Association and recognises diversification schemes which generate additional farm income to supplement more traditional agricultural revenue.

Set up by local hill farmers, Dartmoor Hill Farmers aims to preserve a unique way of life by producing quality beef and lamb from animals reared on the moor on a predominantly grass fed diet. The passion and expertise of its members shines through in the outstanding flavour of its meat.

Westpoint Business Manager, Emily Egan, was a judge for the South West Producer of the Year award, said: “Part of Dartmoor Farmers appeal for winning the award was that a group of farmers decided to collaborate to take their excellent product from field to fork. I sincerely hope Dartmoor Farmers are promoted as champions of collaboration to inspire other farmers, from all sectors, to do the same.”