Muir congratulates Northern Ireland winners at BBC Food and Farming Awards

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has congratulated Northern Ireland's winners and finalists following a successful evening at the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026 in Belfast.

The prestigious UK-wide awards were held in Northern Ireland for the first time in their 26-year history at Titanic Belfast.

Northern Ireland celebrated two award wins, with Belfast-based Sean McDermott and Rory Blight, of Keen 2B Green and Source Grow, receiving the BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award, and Co Tyrone farmer Bronagh O'Kane, who farms near Cookstown, winning the Farming for the Future Award.

Minister Muir, who presented the BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award, said: It has been a fantastic evening for Northern Ireland and for our food and farming sector. Hosting these prestigious awards in Belfast for the first time has provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the quality, innovation and ambition that we have right across our agri-food sector.

I was particularly delighted to present the BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award to Sean McDermott and Rory Blight. Their work demonstrates how food production can go hand-in-hand with stronger communities, opportunities for people and care for our environment.

I also want to warmly congratulate Bronagh O'Kane on winning the Farming for the Future Award. Her success is fitting recognition of the innovation and leadership we are seeing within Northern Ireland agriculture as farmers work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Northern Ireland was very well represented across tonight's awards and every one of our finalists should be extremely proud. Their recognition on this UK-wide stage is testament to the people, businesses and ideas that make our food and farming sector so special.

The BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award was introduced as a special category for 2026, celebrating people providing high-quality, home-grown and seasonal food that reflects Northern Ireland's distinctive food identity.

Notes to editors:

1. The BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026 took place at Titanic Belfast on Wednesday 21 October, the first time the awards have been held in Northern Ireland.

2. The BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award was a special category for 2026, celebrating people providing high-quality, home-grown and seasonal food reflecting the unique flavour of Northern Ireland cuisine.

3. Northern Ireland winners and finalists were:

• Farming for the Future: Bronagh O'Kane, Co Tyrone, who farms near Cookstown winner.
• BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero: Sean McDermott and Rory Blight, Belfast, Keen 2B Green / Source Grow winners.
• BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero: Jenna Morris, Crawford's Rock Seaweed, Kilkeel, Co Down finalist.
• BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero: the Alexander family, Ballyboley Dexters, Greyabbey, Co Down finalist.
• Best Food Producer: Richard and Leona Kane, Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, based at Limavady, Co Derry/Londonderry finalist.
• Best Drinks Producer: Mourne Mountains Brewery, based in Warrenpoint, Co Down finalist.
• Best Drinks Producer: Shortcross Distillery, Crossgar, Co Down finalist.