Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is leading the search for outstanding, inspirational individuals in agriculture as part of this year's BBC Food & Farming Awards.

Now in their 14th year, the awards celebrate the best of British food and farming, from the field to local markets and food retailers. Nominations are open for three weeks from January 5th, 2014.

Adam will be judging the "Outstanding Farmer of the Year" category.

Along with fellow judge Mike Gooding, a farmer and former chair of the Oxford Farming Conference, the aim is to reward an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sector.

The judges want to hear about the farmers shaping Britain's food future with cutting-edge thinking and creative ideas.  

What's Adam looking for?

He said: "The winner can be a campaigner, a trailblazer or a visionary but they should have made a real difference and delivered practical results to farming. We want to celebrate the work of someone who has inspired others to follow their lead with passion, dedication and innovation."

Mr Gooding said: "The pace of change in the global supply of food and the impact of its production is increasing at an unprecedented rate, driven by a growing population, changes in diets and a tightening supply of resources.

"For that reason I really want to hear the stories of men and women who are demonstrating progressive, leading-edge thinking. As a farmer myself, I really know how prestigious winning this award is in the farming community, so if you are someone who deserves that accolade, or know a farmer who does - please send in a nomination.

"We want to find the farmers who are leading by example and are challenging the rest of us to consider how we might develop our own farming operations."

That sounds like someone I know (or me!)

Farmers can nominate themselves, or others, by going to  www.bbc.co.uk/foodawards   from January  5th. Nominations close on Monday January 27th.


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