Double award delight for Northamptonshire NFU member

A Northamptonshire farmer and entrepreneur won two prestigious industry accolades in just two days at awards that recognise and reward women in agriculture and the food and drink sector.

Milly Fyfe, whose family have a diverse livestock and arable farm in Yelvertoft, was named Farming Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards on 5 May.

She was then named Food Waste and Circular Economy Champion at the Women in Food & Drink Awards on 6 May.

Milly, a Northamptonshire NFU member, said she was delighted to be honoured and the awards recognised her work over more than 20 years advocating for change, bridging the gap between farmers and shoppers, educating young people and supporting healthy eating using British produce.

The National Women in Agriculture Awards, in their third year, honour the trailblazing, innovating, and leading women working across the UK's agri-sectors shining a spotlight on female achievement.

While the Women in Food & Drink Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across the UK and Ireland’s food and drink sector as well as those championing diversity and inclusion.

The food and drink award category she won recognises leadership in waste reduction, recycling and circular economy innovation.

Milly said: “I am absolutely thrilled and I think it is testament to the hard work that has gone into creating The Countryside Kitchen on our farm, which helps reconnect young people with food, farming and the countryside and the other work that I do.

“On farm we have two groups coming in every week all looking at farming and where their food comes from and it is a valuable resource for our local community.”

She also presents a food and farming radio show called Tastes of the Shire, helping to provide a connection to food produced in the UK and founded No Fuss Meals For Busy Parents CIC that gives mealtime inspiration, top tips and time-saving hacks for families.

“The awards are a real celebration of all of that hard work and the support from my family and all involved in what we do,” she said.

“I’m just really chuffed and I was in very good company at both award ceremonies with some very worthy nominees across all the categories.

“Well done to them and all of the women who are championing British food and farming.”

Marie Charles, NFU Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland county adviser said women were pivotal to many farming businesses and farm diversifications and it was important that work gained recognition.

She said: “I’m delighted for Milly, all of those nominated for awards alongside the overall winner in each category.

“We have some excellent female farmers across Northamptonshire and the rest of the region working hard to produce food and champion British farming.”

The award ceremonies in London were held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms and Hilton Bankside respectively, both shining a spotlight on female achievement.