The executive editor of Farmers Weekly, Philip Clarke, has won the 2020 Red Tractor Public Engagement Award with Anna Jones from the BBC’s Farming Today programme in second place.
The award, now in its fifth year, celebrates articles and broadcasts featuring farmers who go above and beyond the call of duty to tell the story of UK food production.
Judges are looking for stories that highlight farmers who realise how important it is for consumers to understand where their food comes from and take the opportunity to get the message across.
Philip’s article featured organic free range egg producer Susie MacMillan who is a well-known farming champion who uses social media and public engagement to grow her business.
The top prize was £1,000 with £500 on offer for the runner up – Anna Jones.
Anna delivered a really interesting piece for the BBC’s Farming Today programme which went out deep into lockdown, reporting on how farm shops and retailers were coping with the pandemic.
Presenting the award, Red Tractor’s vice chairman Andrew Blenkiron said: “It’s wonderful to see so many Guild members taking part in a virtual harvest event and shows the togetherness of our rural and agricultural media, and reinforces why Red Tractor is proud to support the organisation.
“Judging this year’s entries was, yet again, a very difficult task and just three points separated four entrants.”
