BBC Radio Food and Farming Awards 2009

The BBC Radio Food and Farming Awards are now in their tenth year and are asking listeners and food lovers to nominate their favourite food supplier, dinner lady or food revolutionary. Last year saw an unprecedented number of nominations and the BBC is looking to trump that in 2009.

In order to enter a nomination, you will need to tell the BBC in no more than 250 words why your nomination best demonstrates that particular category's criteria. This year the judging panel is chaired by chef Raymond Blanc.

The closing date for entries is midnight 31 August 2009. The winners will be featured on BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme and Farming Today, and on BBC Local Radio.

The categories are as follows:-

BEST LOCAL FOOD RETAILER
A favourite corner shop, butcher, baker or deli, that is making a difference to the community - and to the producers who supply it.

BEST FOOD MARKET
Awarded to the market making fresh, locally-grown food accessible to its community. As well as farmers' markets the BBC is interested in regular, local food markets with a wide range of high quality produce - particularly in areas ill-served by other retailers.

BEST TAKEAWAY
It could be Indian, Italian, Chinese or good old fish & chips, where meals are freshly made using carefully sourced ingredients and provide value for money.

FARMER OF THE YEAR
The award for someone who has risen to the challenges of farming in the 21st century and is an inspiration to anyone interested in food production and the countryside.

BEST FOOD PRODUCER
Open to anyone who produces food - from milk or meat to cakes or chocolates.

BEST DINNER LADY OR MAN
Whether it's in a school, a hospital, a care home, or the workplace - this is awarded to a cook who provides a wide range of healthy, tasty food in any institutional setting.

DEREK COOPER AWARD
Named after The Food Programme's first presenter, for the individual or organisation that has done most to increase our knowledge and understanding of good food and the vital role it plays in our lives.

BEST RETAIL INITIATIVE
Do you know of an imaginative initiative that's changing the way good quality food is being sourced and sold. It could be a supermarket, wholesaler, website, or chain of food shops - that's transforming your access to great produce with an original idea.

BBC FOOD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
It could be a writer, broadcaster, or chef; a role model who inspires a passion for good food and communicates the importance of great produce with enthusiasm and clarity. Previous winners include: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Rick Stein, Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and James Martin.

Visit the nomination page to let your voice be heard.