Nominate for the food world's Oscars

The awards are not just about quality on the plate or in the glass, but about the kind of excellence that makes a difference to people's lives, the economy and our values. The nominations all come from the public... their chance to put forward the people, businesses and organisations making a difference to what we eat in Britain. Sheila Dillon, presenter of BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme, said, "For decades we didn't value food in the UK and now we're paying the price in terms of obesity, diabetes, and massive imports of food we could easily produce here.

"The BBC set up the awards in 2000 to highlight the achievements of people who know that how we produce, shop, cook and eat directly affects who we are, how we feel, how we behave, and what our countryside looks like. Now, as the economy gets tougher, it matters even more that we continue to honour food heroes who embody the values that will help see us through hard times."  

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in November.

Nominations are sought for:

BEST FOOD MARKET
Where is Britain's best food market?  It can be a regular street, WI or farmers' market, but what the BBC is looking for is the market that best serves its local community providing fresh, high quality and affordable food, particularly in areas neglected by other retailers. 
Winner in 2010: Stroud Farmers Market

BEST TAKEAWAY
Whether it is good old fish and chips, Middle Eastern falafel or an inspirational curry the BBC seeks to celebrate the people taking takeaways and street food to a whole new level. And it's more than just great taste, the BBC wants to hear about excellent, freshly made meals that use carefully sourced ingredients and provide value for money.
Winner in 2010: Mr Duchy, Carribean Takeaway

BEST FOOD PRODUCER
Open to anyone who produces food – whether it's cheese, meat or pies, salads, cakes or chocolate. The Award panel is looking for companies or individuals using the best, carefully sourced, ingredients and a lot of expertise to create an excellent, fairly priced, finished product.
Winner in 2010: Alex Gooch, Baker

BEST DRINKS PRODUCER
Do you know of an inspirational brewer, wine maker, distiller or juice-maker, using carefully sourced ingredients and skill to produce an outstanding drink? We want to hear about the people bringing new ideas to the world of drinks, as well as those keeping traditions alive.
Winner in 2010: Wye Valley Brewery

BEST LOCAL FOOD RETAILER
This award celebrates all those local shops that make our lives more delicious, from butchers and farm shops to bakers and delis. Nominate a retailer near you not only selling delicious fresh produce but also making a difference to the community – and to the producers who supply it.
Winner in 2010: Darts Farm Shop, Devon

BBC FARMING TODAY, FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The award for someone who has risen to the challenges of sustainable farming in the 21st century and who has been a source of encouragement and inspiration to others interested in food production and the countryside.
Winner in 2010: Jonathan Birchill

BEST "DINNER LADY"/ PUBLIC CATERER
Looking for cooks who make mealtimes in our hospitals, care homes, schools or workplaces a delight. We're looking for tasty and healthy food prepared on the premises with fresh, carefully sourced ingredients, particularly in our less celebrated institutions.
Winner in 2010: Bob Davies, Easingwold Secondary School

BEST RETAIL INITIATIVE
The interest here is in any innovation that is improving the way good quality food is sourced and sold. It could be an initiative by a national supermarket, a wholesaler, a website, or a chain of food shops – any imaginative idea transforming your access to great produce with an original idea. 
Winner in 2010:  Sainsburys Carbon footprint initiative

DEREK COOPER AWARD
Named after The Food Programme's first presenter, for the individual or organisation that has done the most to bring about real change in our relationship with food. From grass roots community projects to academic research and campaigns, this award aims to recognise the unsung heroes whose work has increased our knowledge and appreciation of good food.     
Winner in 2010: Richard Lutwyche, for work with rare breeds

BBC FOOD CHAMPION 2010
Who has inspired you to think differently about food? It could be a writer, broadcaster, blogger or television chef; any commentator who in the past twelve months has used their work to give us fresh insights into the food we eat. This is the chance to nominate the person you believe has helped bring about a wider passion for good food, demystified great cooking or the food world in general.
Winner in 2010: Baker, Richard Bertinet

How to nominate
The BBC needs your name, address, phone number (and email if possible). Please tell them as much as you can about your nominee, their contact details and why they best demonstrate that category's criteria. The more you tell about why they are so special, the more you'll help the judges.
 
See the website (www.bbc.co.uk/foodawards) for more information, including entry rules and previous winners.

Closing date for entries – Sunday August 14th 2011

Nominate by:
Email: foodawards@bbc.co.uk
Post: BBC Food & Farming Awards, Level 9A, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF

This year's winners will be featured on BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme and Farming Today, as well as on BBC Local Radio. The awards ceremony will be broadcast in a special awards edition of The Food Programme in November.