NOMINATIONS are open for the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2022 – and Island MP Bob Seely is encouraging Isle of Wight farmers and food producers to enter.

The Awards honour those who have done the most to promote the cause of good food over the past year, particularly in light of the challenges faced with Covid-19, climate change and the war in Ukraine.

Since the Awards were launched in 2000, judges have come from a cross-section of the food world - chefs, academics, retail analysts, writers and campaigners.

Encouraging Island food producers to enter, Bob Seely said: “We have some incredibly talented food producers on the Island, all with something very unique - and delicious - to offer.

“Though we are well and truly on the ‘foodie’ map already, I would love for Island farmers and food producers to receive more recognition nationally for their products: these awards could be a good platform to enable this.

“Let’s celebrate the best the Island has to offer and let’s see some Island winners!”

The awards up for grabs this year include Best Food Producer, Best Drinks Producer, Best Streetfood/Takeaway and Best Shop or Market.

In addition, nominations can be made for the Farming for the Future Award, Food Innovation Award, Community Food Champion and Countryfile Young Countryside Champion.

These awards recognise individuals, organisations and businesses striving to make a difference.

Whether it is embracing new growing solutions to benefit the environment, pioneering innovative tech to improve animal welfare, exploring new ways to make good food accessible, or developing sustainable strategies to inspire the next generation of farmers.

Nominations close on Monday (June 27) at 11.59pm, click here to find out more and enter.