For the first time the BBC Food and Farming Awards will be held in Northern Ireland at a special ceremony in Titanic Belfast in October 2026.

County Derry chef and broadcaster, Paula McIntyre is the Head Judge for this year’s awards which celebrate the UK’s best cooks and producers.

Aghadowey woman Paula was joined by Sheila Dillon from BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme and Countryfile’s Adam Henson to launch nominations for the awards at The Balmoral Show today (Wednesday, May 13) near Lisburn, Co Antrim.

Adam Smyth, Director, BBC Northern Ireland says: “Hosting the BBC Food and Farming Awards in Northern Ireland with BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme is a proud moment for us.

“Each year, the awards celebrate the people and places at the heart of the UK’s food industry, and we’re delighted that this year’s awards will showcase our local suppliers who have a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the finest food across these islands.”

Paula McIntyre says: “Having previously served on the Food and Farming Awards judging panel, I am thrilled to see the awards coming to Northern Ireland for the first time and to be Head Judge this year.

“With over 30 years’ experience as a chef, and someone who has championed local culinary traditions and ingredients, I can’t wait to discover even more wonderful produce from across the UK.”

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Sheila Dillon from BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme says: “I’m so pleased that the BBC Food and Farming Awards are in Northern Ireland this year. My father came from Northern Ireland so I am very fond of the place and know what a rich food culture there is here. It’s a culture where really good food, is connected to economies, to people’s lives, and to people’s health.”

Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland says: “The announcement that Northern Ireland will host the BBC Food and Farming Awards in October is hugely welcome, providing us with another high-profile opportunity to showcase a sector that is already making its mark on the national and international stage.

“I would encourage everyone to engage with the nominations process, as we begin building momentum towards Northern Ireland hosting this highly acclaimed event.”

The BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award is new for 2026 and will champion the best of local produce from across Northern Ireland. This award will celebrate local individual producers and social enterprises who are providing high quality, home grown, seasonal food that reflects Northern Ireland’s unique flavours and cuisine.

The BBC Food and Farming Awards were launched in 2000 to mark the 20th anniversary of BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme. The mission remains unchanged: “to honour those who have done most to promote the cause of good food.”

BBC audiences nominate individuals and businesses doing inspiring work in the food world. Finalists are rigorously judged by leading food experts. Since 2000, the awards have celebrated over 450 finalists from more than 75,000 nominations across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Along with BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, the awards bring together a range of BBC output to celebrate food, drink and producers; including Radio 4’s Farming Today, Countryfile, and The Archers, who this year celebrate 75 years on air. Highlights from the ceremony will broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme this autumn.

The BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026 will be held in Titanic Belfast in October 2026 and this year’s event is supported by Food NI with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Details on the judging panel will be announced in due course.

The categories for 2026:

• Best Food Producer Awards

• Best Drinks Producer Award

• The Digital Creator Awards

• The Farming for the Future Awards with The Archers and Farming Today

• The Food Innovation Awards

• Countryfile Young Countryside Champion

• The BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award

• Derek Cooper Outstanding Achievement Award

Full details for the 2026 awards, including how to enter will be made available at bbc.co.uk/foodawards during the open window Friday 22 May 2026 at 6am until the closing date of Monday, June 15 at 12pm.