Sweet Honey Studios, Godshill Orchards and Compton Farm are among the winners of this year’s Isle of Wight Rural Awards, which celebrate the very best in rural achievement across the Isle of Wight.
Organised by the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society and sponsored by the CLA, the awards showcase the breadth of the rural economy, honouring individuals, schools and businesses that contribute to the countryside’s success. The awards took place at the Royal IW County Show last weekend (12th July).
Sweet Honey Studios secured two accolades, being named both Rural Business of the Year and Rural Art and Craft Business of the Year.
Ralph Rickard was awarded Rural Young Person of the Year, with Emily Smith and Mollie Sheath named as finalists.
Godshill Orchards picked up the Wight Marque Food Business of the Year award, while IOW Fudge Company was recognised as Rural Tourism Business of the Year.
Compton Farm took home the title of Small Countryside Business of the Year, and NFU Mutual Isle of Wight was named Countryside Business of the Year.
In the School Participation Award category, both Greenmount Primary School and St George’s School were honoured.
The judging panel included Gill Kennett from the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society and Richard Knowles, who assessed the nominations and selected winners that best reflect the Island’s rural excellence.
Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East, which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the Isle of Wight, has said:
“Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who took part, it’s inspiring to see how vibrant and dynamic the Isle of Wight’s rural economy is.
“The CLA is proud to support rural businesses on the island, as they are the lifeblood of communities and help feed the nation, look after the environment and support jobs and the wider economy.”
