The 2022 Love Local Trust Local Awards are just beginning and some of the finest Dorset food producers, alongside some exciting new ones, are all in this year’s entry mix, writes Barbara Cossins.

Here at Rawston Farm we have some wonderful stories from the 2022 entries, all with their own inspiring journeys to tell the wider community.
Just a few days ago, we gathered together all our sponsors to do a blind tasting and sample the food from the award entrants. From delicious chocolates, melt in your mouth brownies, crunchy macaroons, delicious cheeses, real milk, incredible honey, homemade gin, beer and wine; it was all in the mix.
So now for the hard part as the judges will all give up their valuable time and visit all our awards classes throughout October and November – they will also judge the other classes including Conservation & Sustainability, Business Growth & Development, Farm Shop and Hospitality.

On February 9, 2023, we will host a presentation evening and dinner to celebrate their achievements and the winners.
It will be held at Dorset College of Agriculture, at Kingston Maurward and everyone is welcome.

More information and full details of how to attend will be on the website soon.
With the global food challenges we’re facing at the moment, it’s even more important to help tell the stories and promote these local, independent businesses that put their love and soul into everything they produce.
It will be our turn again in 2023 to host Open Farm Sunday and I’m expecting it to be bigger than ever.

People are interested in everything that is local and we will be showcasing what we have right here in Dorset.

So a date for your diary is Sunday, June 11, 2023.
Make sure you find out which farms near you are open on that day, as it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the farmers and hear their stories.
Keep eating local everyone.