CLA-backed Isle of Wight rural awards open for nominations
Awards to celebrate best of rural on the island this summer
The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society (RIWAS) and CLA are inviting nominations for this year’s island Rural Awards.
The 2026 categories are:
- Food Business of the Year
- Rural Tourism Business of the Year
- Rural Art and Craft Business of the Year
- Small Countryside Business of the Year (up to five employees)
- Countryside Business of the Year (six or more employees)
- Overall winner from the above five categories, receiving the Isle of Wight Rural Business of the Year award
- Rural Young Person of the Year (aged 26 and under)
- Primary School Participation
In addition, there is a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards honour those who demonstrate success and achievement from all parts of the Island’s rural economy and celebrates the breadth and depth of the rural sector.
Awards will be presented at this year's Royal Isle of Wight County Show, on Saturday 11 July.
Celebration
Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the island, said: “The CLA is proud to once again be supporting these awards championing the Isle of Wight’s dynamic rural economy.
“We’d encourage individuals and businesses to get involved and nominate, and we hope to see you at the show presentation in July. It’s always a really positive celebration and fantastic event in the island’s calendar.”
Graham Biss, Vice Chairman of RIWAS, said: “This will be the eighth year of the awards and each year they depict the very best of the Island and the rural sector. We hope to receive nominations from right across the Island and would encourage everyone to nominate either themselves or those businesses or individuals who make the island so special."
Nomination forms can be downloaded from: www.iwcountyshow.co.uk/riwas-iw-rural-awards or by phoning the RIWAS office on 01983 296244.