A HEREFORDSHIRE grower whose berries are sold to shoppers across the country has won a coveted award for his dedication to the county and food production.
Anthony Snell, of Windmill Hill Fruits, Harewood End, was named the Midlands winner of the NFU’s Meurig Raymond Award.
The award is named after the former NFU President and was presented to Mr Snell in front of more than a thousand farmers and industry representatives at the NFU24 dinner in Birmingham on February 20.
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Mr Snell runs a first-generation farm business with his wife Christine, which he has managed since 1987 producing fresh and frozen soft fruits.
The judges looked at how he worked with the NFU regional team on campaigns, his representation of the NFU locally and nationally, his positive engagement and work to drive sector and industry change.
Mr Snell said “I was delighted to receive this coveted award at the well-attended NFU Conference dinner in front of 1,200 guests.
“NFU24 was excellent with many speakers including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who spoke positively about supporting our important British agriculture and horticulture industry.
“I was also pleased to donate some of our Herefordshire grown frozen soft fruits for part of the NFU dinner and these are sold on our exclusive website www.BritishFrozenFruits co.uk online.”
Robert Newbery, NFU Midlands regional director, added: “Horticulture is often a sector which feels unrepresented, but Anthony has ensured at every point the voice of these members has been heard – both locally and nationally, and within and outside the NFU.
“In more recent years he has flown the flag for sustainable production within the horticultural sector and the environmental measures which he, and other growers, have put in place.
“This has been critical in a county like Herefordshire where there is huge pressure on farmers to deliver environmental benefits.
“At every opportunity Anthony promotes the work of the NFU and is a huge advocate for everything it does.”
Ali Parker, NFU Herefordshire county adviser, said she was delighted for Mr Snell.
“The NFU horticulture and potatoes sector covers a huge range of crops, from tomatoes to garden plants," she said.
“Despite only producing a handful of the crops himself Anthony has always ensured every crop is presented as being equally important."
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