Discover the dedicated individuals who champion our Food Heartland:
Meet Our Food Heartland Champions
Ben Allen | Young Farming Champion
“I’m Ben Allen, 21 years old, and I proudly serve as the Young Farming Champion. Having always lived in the countryside next door to my grandparents, my grandad’s small beef farm was where my love for farming and food production first sparked. From a very young age, I cherished spending time with him on the farm. When I was 15, I began working part-time on a dairy farm, where I still assist today, though it has since transitioned into a beef farm. I am also an active member of Bleary Young Farmers.”
Jane Walker (Waring Estate) | Women in Farming, Environmental, Food and Drink Producer, and Markets Champion
“I believe the businesses within our borough possess a vast breadth of knowledge across the sector. To foster growth and truly champion ourselves, it is essential to provide opportunities for these businesses to connect and create valuable synergies.”
Mervyn Steenson (Groucho’s on the Square) | Chef / Hospitality Champion
“In my role as Head Chef at Groucho’s On The Square, Richhill, I consistently prioritise using and promoting local produce and producers whenever possible. This includes featuring them on our menus, daily specials, through social media, and on our chalkboard, which lists all the local producers we work with, indicating their distance from us – ranging from 200 metres to over 30 miles.
I would particularly like to see more discussions among chefs on how we can encourage more young people to enter the hospitality industry.”
Hannah Kee | Food and Drink Producer Champion
“Local food is truly at the heart of everything. Buying local is not only sustainable for the environment but also vital for our local economy, benefiting farmers, processors, packers, and retailers alike. Our local agri-food industry creates a ‘halo effect’ that can positively impact numerous businesses across the area.”
Kat O’Reilly Nice Buns | Food and Drink Producer and Markets Champion
“I have a deep appreciation for good food made with passion. There’s something special about tasting something someone has created, and you truly sense their dedication. As a maker myself, I understand the countless hours of learning, experimenting, creating, and developing that go into food production, which makes me deeply appreciate the work of other local food producers. I’ve always been passionate about the ‘farm to fork’ concept; I prefer buying local, fresh vegetables from farm shops, free-range eggs from honesty boxes, and meat that has been outdoor-bred and reared. It’s not just important for nourishing your body with high-quality, seasonal food, but also for supporting the local economy and my neighbours who work just as hard as I do to provide for their families.”
 |
 |
|---|