Without the work of the Irish Seed Savers Association, Ireland would have already lost much of its food heritage, according to the judges.

“This year’s winner is a national treasure that we feel must be nurtured and supported. At a time when international pressure is building around trade agreements such as CETA and TTIP – the passing of which could have serious detrimental effects on many aspects of our lives including our food sovereignty and food production system – the existence of organisations such as the Irish Seed Savers is more important than ever,” Aoife Carrigy, chair of IFWG, said.

The Irish Seed Savers Association runs an education project on agricultural biodiversity which the judges said will have lifelong benefits for the young citizens it engages with and a long term impact on Ireland’s policies as a food-producing nation.

Other enterprises that were recognised at the awards include The Organic Centre in Leitrim, Loaf Catering in Belfast, OURganic Gardens in Donegal and the Cork Food Policy Council’s Edible Greening Initiative.

The Irish Food Writers' Guild promotes high standards of knowledge and practice among writers about food, nutrition and food history.

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