The award, which has been honouring our farming champions for over ten years now, was held at a prestigious awards ceremony on 7 October at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London in front of an audience of over 1,000 people.
The realities of farming
Jeremy Clarkson’s hit show Clarkson’s Farm has showcased the realities of farming on his farm in Oxfordshire to millions of viewers, who enjoy his outspoken views on farming and no-nonsense approach.
Much of what was seen in the first series on Amazon Prime Video, has rung true with many farmers.
It has also brought an understanding of many of the issues faced by farmers to the British public – from profit margins to diversification. A second series is planned for next year.
Support for NFU's Back British Farming Day
Jeremy has been a strong supporter of our Back British Farming Day and echoed its call for UK food self-sufficiency not to slip below 60% – and went further, calling for government to make 80% self-sufficiency a target.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “When it comes to recognising someone who has done their best to showcase British food and farming over the past 12 months, no-one has earned this award more than Jeremy Clarkson. His show has really resonated with the public, brought alive the ups and downs of our industry to a huge new audience, and transported British farming into the living rooms of families across the country.”
Vocal champion
Acknowledging the extraordinarily tough time that farmers have been having recently, Minette went on, “It’s been such a challenging time for British farming over the past 12 months; as key workers our farmers have kept shelves stocked with British food and dealt with extreme weather events.
“Now, they are battling labour shortages, supply chain disruption and rising costs, which are causing severe problems for essential food producing businesses.
“Through all of this, Jeremy Clarkson has been a vocal champion for the British farming industry. His enthusiasm comes through in spades and his overwhelming and continued support for the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign makes him a very deserving winner of this prestigious award.”
Sponsored by the NFU, the Farming Champion award honours someone who has done their best to showcase British food and farming in the past 12 months.
Also see:
- Raising the profile of the NFU on Clarkson's Farm (member exclusive content)
- Back British Farming Day 2021 as it happened
Note: Our 'Help secure the future of British food' action has now closed and the letter has been delivered to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice MP.
- See other Farmers Weekly Awards – 2021 winners