A COMMUNITY interest company celebrating local produce picked up an award at Romsey’s agricultural show.

The Award of Merit is presented to an individual, family, business or organisation that has given an outstanding contribution to agriculture, horticulture, farming, forestry, equine and allied businesses.

The Romsey Agricultural & Horse Show Society, hosts of the Romsey Show at Broadlands, felt that Hampshire Fare exemplified the award criteria as an advocate for local food and drink and supporter of farmers and producers in the area.

The local foodies team announced their triumph in a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 20 following the presentation by the Romsey Show president at the event on September 10.

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Food Zone chairman for the Romsey Show, Judith Long, said: “Congratulations to Hampshire Fare on the group’s much deserved award! I nominated Hampshire Fare for the Award of Merit as I thought Hampshire Fare encompassed everything that the Romsey Show’s Award of Merit stands for. Hampshire Fare support so many aspects of the local rural economy and rural life by promoting the produce of our area and those who grow, process, use or sell it.

“Hampshire Fare has gone from strength to strength since it was formed over 30 years ago in 1991. However, I felt that more people outside Hampshire Fare’s membership should hear about the fantastic work Hampshire Fare does. I hope that this award may inspire others to take a greater interest in Hampshire Fare’s work, and in their own food, where it comes from and who produces it.”

The local produce promoter supports the Romsey Show through publicising the event as well as organising the Skills Kitchen with a line-up of top chefs.

The Award of Merit was presented to Hampshire Fare’s chairman, Mike Wright, commercial manager, Tracy Nash by the Romsey Show president John Whitham.

Tracy Nash said: “We were very proud to be presented with the Romsey Show’s Award of Merit at this year’s show. It was such a surprise; we had no idea why we were being called up to the main show ring. It really means so much to have our work helping farmers and producers over the past 30 years recognised. The Romsey Show is one of the highlights of Hampshire’s events calendar and we enjoy working with the team organising the Show, as well as putting together the Skills Kitchen featuring a line-up of some of Hampshire’s top chefs.”

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The chairman added: “This award recognises the success of Hampshire Fare, a very small team that for over 30 years have worked hard to get Hampshire’s food and drink the recognition it deserves.”

For more on the not-for-profit organisation and what it does go to hampshirefare.co.uk/.