CLA celebrates rural achievements on the Isle of Wight

CLA-backed awards celebrating rural achievements have been presented at the Royal Isle of Wight County Show 2026.

The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society’s rural awards, sponsored by the CLA, recognise those individuals and businesses who represent the very best of rural on the Isle of Wight.

The winners of this year’s awards:

Rural Business of the Year – Briddlesford Farm

Rural Young Person of the Year

Winner – Mollie Sheath

Finalists – Izzy O’Sullivan, Ralph Rickard, Rhys Bradley, Harry Taylor

Food & Drink Business of the Year

Winner – Isle of Wight Tomatoes

Rural Tourism Business of the Year

Winner – Diamond Adventures

Small Countryside Business of the Year

Winner – Firestone Studios

Countryside Business of the Year

Winner – Briddlesford Farm

Rural Art and Craft Business of the Year

Winner – Naturally Essentials

School Participation Award

Winners – St Francis Primary School and Haylands Primary School

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner – Mary Case.

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.

The panel of judges were made up of Danny Horne from the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society, Alex Haig-Thomas from the CLA, and Richard Knowles.

The awards reflect the work and focus of the Royal Isle of Agricultural Society and the CLA.

Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the island, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who took part, it’s inspiring to see how vibrant and dynamic the Isle of Wight’s rural economy is.

“The CLA is proud to support rural businesses on the island, as they are the lifeblood of communities and help feed the nation, look after the environment and support jobs and the wider economy.”