Isle of Wight business The Tomato Stall has picked up an award from animal rights charity PETA.

In its first ever ethical farming awards, PETA recognised the Arreton-based heritage tomato business.

PETA said the Tomato Stall had been chosen for its 'juicy, plump tomatoes, grown lovingly and organically in the Isle of Wight, to homes across the UK'.

Other winners include a former dairy and beef farmer who relocated all his cows to a sanctuary and switched to growing beans and grains, soya producers Richard Cole and Tofurei, seaweed farm SHORE, and Scilly Organics, which provides fresh vegetable boxes.

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“Perfect for a classic tomato soup, refreshing salad, or pizza sauce for the whole family, The Tomato Stall’s produce shows excellence in its field,” said PETA director of vegan corporate projects Dawn Carr.

“PETA is delighted to recognise these sowers of compassion and encourages all farmers to grow plants and leave behind the heartbreak and violence of raising animals for food.”

The charity said a recent National Farmers’ Union survey of over 1,000 English and Welsh farmers showed shrinking beef and sheep sectors.

"Farmers who switch to growing vegetables, grains, pulses, and fruits not only reduce animal suffering but also help the planet: animal agriculture is a leading cause of environmental destruction."

PETA released a video last year celebrating crop farmers across the country.