Nominations now open for 2017 Chris Brant award

Nominations are now open for the Chris Brant Award, which each year recognises those prepared to go the extra mile on behalf of the pig industry.

The award, named in honour of larger-than-life pig farmer and campaigner Chris Brant, was deservedly won last year by National Pig Association (NPA) chairman Richard Lister, with a Special award going to the NPA staff (pictured above).

The 2017 award will once again be presented at the prestigious National Pig Awards ceremony in London in November.

Richard Longthorp, who chairs the judging panel and is a previous winner himself, said this award was dedicated to those who put their industry first.

“Chris Brant, who died in July 2009, was hard-working, blunt, loud, passionate and a bloody good pig farmer. He was a massive force for good in our industry, never more so than as one of  the organisers of the British Pig Industry Support Group ‘night riders’, which in 1999-2001 blockaded retail distribution centres and kept a pig for three months  in Parliament Square to highlight unfair treatment being dished out to pig farmers.

“This award in his name is not about doing your paid job well or even very well. It is about recognising those who consistently go that extra mile, without personal reward, when their industry needs it most.”

• To nominate an individual or an organisation you think has stepped up to the mark, click here, stating your nomination, your reasons for nominating and your name and email address. The closing date for nominations is July 31, 2017.

Mr Longthorp said: “In the past the judges have had an incredibly difficult time picking just one, or in last year’s case, two, names from so many inspirational entries. So, if your nomination was unsuccessful in the past, please try again. These exceptional people deserve the recognition of their peers.”

Mr Lister added: “Winning last year’s Chris Brant award was a huge honour for me and the NPA team – it meant so much to get that recognition from your peers. So please, rack your brains and get your nomination in!”

Previous winners