Food import dependency · Farming, harvest & inputs · 23 October 2026
Northern Ireland wins at BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026
Northern Ireland Executive announced that local winners were recognised at the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026. The ceremony took place in Belfast for the first time in the event's 26-year history.
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir congratulated Northern Ireland's winners and finalists at the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026. The Northern Ireland Executive confirmed that the event marked a significant occasion for the region, with the awards held in Belfast for the first time in the event's 26-year history.
Sean McDermott and Rory Blight from Keen 2B Green and Source Grow won the BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award, a new special category introduced specifically for the 2026 awards. Minister Andrew Muir presented the prize to the pair, stating: "It has been a fantastic evening for Northern Ireland and for our food and farming sector."
Bronagh O’Kane, a farmer near Cookstown in County Tyrone, received the Farming for the Future Award. The minister noted that her success is fitting recognition of the innovation and leadership seen within Northern Ireland agriculture as farmers work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
The ceremony took place at Titanic Belfast on Wednesday 21 October. According to the announcement, the work of the winners demonstrates how food production can go hand-in-hand with stronger communities, opportunities for people and care for the environment.
Written by StreetOwl from Northern Ireland Executive’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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