Call goes out for Norfolk Rural Business Awards 2026 nominations

Winners of the Norfolk Rural Business Awards with their trophies

From food and drink producers to farming innovators and champions, we have sent out the call for nominations in this year's prestigious Norfolk Rural Business Awards.

Businesses, individuals and organisations can apply across the nine categories, and finalists will be invited to a ceremony at the Royal Norfolk Show in June where the winners will be unveiled. Now a firm fixture on the county's calendar, we officially launched the 2026 awards were officially today (10 February) at the Norfolk Farming Conference.

The awards are run by Norfolk County Council in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and showcase the very best that rural Norfolk has to offer.

Each of the categories will have a specialist judging panel who will follow up with those shortlisted before making their final decision. The closing date is Tuesday 21 April.

Winners will receive a trophy, a certificate, and be able to use Norfolk Rural Awards branding in their promotions.

The categories are:

Best Rural Community Initiative - sponsored by Pearn Wyatt Transport Ltd
Best Rural Innovation in Practice - sponsored by Birketts
Best Food and Drink Producer - sponsored by Fountain Fresh Imports
Norfolk's 'Unsung Hero' - sponsored by Poultec
Best Food and Farming Champion - sponsored by CLG Norfolk
Best Emerging Talent - sponsored by PlantGrow
Best Rural Tourism Attraction - sponsored by Thursford
Best Woman in Agriculture - sponsored by Lovewell Blake
Best Rural Business - sponsored by New Anglia Growth Hub

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Norfolk County Council said: "These awards are a fantastic opportunity for people who are going above and beyond in our rural communities to showcase what they are doing. All our finalists across the different categories will be invited to the Royal Norfolk Show and receive public recognition for their achievements.

"Applications are now open, and we want to hear from people, businesses and organisations that fly the flag for Norfolk throughout the year."

Mark Nicholas, Chief Executive of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association commented: "The RNAA is once again delighted to be partnering with the county council to champion the Norfolk Rural Business Awards. This third year of the awards seeks to identify excellence and commitment in our rural businesses and communities.

"We're particularly delighted to introduce the category of Best Woman in Agriculture in the International Year of the Woman Farmer."

Find out how to apply by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/business/norfolk-rural-business-awards

Close Photo Credit: Beth Moseley

Published: 10 February 2026