The Hereford Times is delighted to announce that this year’s glittering Food and Farming Awards online event in June will be hosted by TV presenter and antiques expert Kate Bliss.

Born and bred in rural Herefordshire, Kate is passionate about the county she calls home, and about the part the farming community plays in life here.

“Herefordshire is in my blood,” she said. “Growing up I remember going to ploughing matches and point-to-points. Apart from a few years in Oxford, I have always lived here, and I came back to raise a family and work here.”

“Some of our farmers are kingpins in the national farming community and what we do here is incredibly important: it’s part of what makes Herefordshire special.

“We should be immensely proud of what our farmers are doing. We are so lucky to have such a rich choice of produce so close to home.”

As a regular antiques expert on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Flog It! for over 20 years, Kate has also appeared as presenter on both BBC’s Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and The Antiques Road Trip, as well as ITV’s Secret Dealers.

The Food and Farming Award categories are:

  • Cattle Farmer
  • Poultry Farmer
  • Arable/Fruit or Hop Farmer
  • Family-run farm or Smallholding
  • Farm Conservation and Diversification
  • Best Farm Shop
  • Best Local Food Retailer
  • Best Dairy Producer
  • Best Food Producer
  • (excluding dairy)
  • Best Drinks Producer
  • Best Restaurant
  • Best Cafe or Tearoom