The NPA is seeking nominations for the 2024 Chris Brant Award, its annual award recognising those who have ‘gone the extra mile’ for the industry over the past 12 months.
It could be a well-known figure who has done something exceptional, or one of the pig industry’s many unsung heroes who have selflessly played a key role, often unrecognised, in supporting the industry as it looks to get back on its feet, after a few years of turmoil.
Won last year by producer Sam Godfrey, in recognition of his huge contribution to NPA and the wider industry, including lobbying government on environmental issues, the winner will again be announced at the National Pig Awards in London in November.
How to nominate
Email NPA@npanet.org.uk by Friday, October 4, with your nomination and a few sentences explaining why you think they deserve the award.
“This award recognises the, often unseen, contribution to the industry an individual or organisation has made over the past year, over and above their day job,” NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said.
“There have been some fantastic winners in the past, who have all demonstrated a passion and commitment to the pig industry, many of whom aren’t well known and quietly do what they do without realising the real impact they have on others’ lives and businesses.
“No doubt, there are many potential winners out there who are equally deserving, but they can only be recognised for their endeavours by the entire sector if they’re nominated.
“This award is nominated and judged by industry peers, so let us know why you think your nominee is special, the impact they have had, and why they deserve to join such an illustrious list of previous winners!”
Chris Brant
The award is named after Chris Brant, who died in July 2009. He was one of the leaders of the British Pig Industry Support Group, which ran from 1999-2001, regularly blockading retail distribution centres during those dark days and keeping a pig in Parliament Square.
In the words of Richard Longthorp, he was ‘hard-working, noisy, loyal and as straight as a gun barrel’ and never failed to step up to the mark when his industry needed him, characteristics that have set subsequent winners apart.
CHRIS BRANT AWARD HALL OF FAME
2023 Sam Godfrey
2022 Anna Longthorp
2021 Duncan Berkshire
2020 Zoe Davies
2019 Colin Stone
2018 Rita Wells
2017 Sam Walton
2016 Richard Lister
2016 Special award — NPA’s Georgina Crayford, Zoe Davies, Lizzie Wilson, Andrea Vickers
2015 Jimmy Butler
2014 Digby Scott
2013 Jonathan French
2012 Peter Crichton
2011 Nick White
2011 Special Award — Digby and Ann Scott
2010 Nigel Penlington
2009 Hugh Crabtree
2008 Fred Henley
2006 Richard Longthorp
2006 John Rowbottom
2004 Lynda Davies