Raymond Blanc OBE Chairs the Judges for the
BBC Food & Farming Awards 2009:
27 November 2009:
Raymond Blanc was honoured to chair the judges for the BBC Food & Farming Awards for the second year running.
After the awards, Raymond said: “We are going through a maelstrom of change in food and farming, not just in Britain but around the world. What makes me feel more optimistic about the future is learning about the passion, hard work, skill and knowledge of the winners and finalists in these Awards. It has been an inspiration to hear stories of producers reviving food traditions that we came so close to losing and of farmers helping to secure the future of their own local breeds of animal. We are beginning to reconnect with our food again, these Awards are proof of that”.
Reflecting on his involvement with the BBC Food & Farming Awards, Raymond said "I was honoured to chair one of the greatest and most significant awards in the country. These awards celebrate the hard work and commitment of the producers and farmers who are reinventing our origins, and reconnecting us with our food culture. It was a really marvellous event, and I worked for weeks with some of the most knowledgeable people in the food and farming worlds. I have the utmost respect for Sheila Dillon, the presenter of The Food Programme, and it is an enormous pleasure to work with her.
"HRH Prince Charles, who we know is the most ardent ambassador for real food, opened the awards by giving an inspired speech on the food chain and all of our responsibilities, and how food securities will affect us all.
"I had a hard act to follow, so I gave them a RB moment - straight from the heart! 35 years of supporting the food chain. My speech was a different style - lots of hand movement, but it also worked.
"After the awards ceremony we had a finger buffet at the BBC - wonderful food from the suppliers and farmers nominated for awards. Delicious ham, and an apple brandy to die for!
"The whole event was a true celebration of the soul - ethics, man, and produce!"
You can listen to the podcast of the awards, which was broadcast on 27 November at 9am by clicking here to go to the BBC Radio 4 website.