Soil Association: Organic Food Awards open for entries

The Soil Association Organic Food Awards, already in their 24th year, are now open for entries. The awards are open to all organic food and drink products that are certified by a recognised certifier within the EU. (Picture: One of the winners 2011 - Mr. Bertinet with bread from the Bertinet Bakery)
 

There are 34 categories this year - from poultry, preserves and pasta to cheese, chocolate and cider - extended to allow a broader spectrum of products. This year,  there are two special dairy awards for Best Organic Farm Dairy and Best Organic Dairy Group. The five best entries from the blind judging will go through another round of assessment. The winners’ story will then be used to promote the many reasons why organic food and drink is so unique, the Soil Association reports.
 

The Soil Association will also be giving special awards in three other categories – Best Low Carbon Farm, Best School Food and Best Local Initiative. Commenting on the awards, Geetie Singh, judge and owner of the Duke of Cambridge organic pub, London said: “The Organic Food Awards are a celebration of great organic food that is produced sustainably and to the highest welfare and environmental standards, food that has top quality provenance and an interesting story to tell.” Deadline for entries is 15 June 2012. Information on how to enter the awards can be found at: www.soilassociation.org/foodawards