A FARM shop in Devon has been shortlisted for a top award.

Exe Valley Farm shop is a finalist in the butcher category of the Countryside Alliance Award. 

The farm shop sells home-reared Ruby Red Devon beef,  Dorset Horn lamb and home grown potatoes. They also sell a range of homemade cakes and local produce from across Devon and the South West. It is based on Exe Valley Farm, which was established in 1990 in Thorverton, Exeter.

South West Farmer: Ruby Red Devon beef cattle on Exe Valley Farm,.

Owner of Exe Valley Farm Shop, Helen May, said: “We are super excited to be nominated for the countryside Alliance rural Oscar’s award in the butcher’s category.

"Thank you to whoever has nominated us. We are delighted that our small family run business should be honoured in such a special occasion. A great effort from all of the team at farm shop and the farm.

"I am proud of their hard work and dedication, and we will continue to provide a great service to the community. Please vote for us and get behind your favourite local Exe Valley farm shop.”

South West Farmer: Exe Valley Farm shop produce.

The awards are a celebration of British food and farming, and are in their sixteenth year. They are driven by public nominations and there were more than 17,000 this year. 

Countryside Alliance awards director, Sarah Lee, added: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.

"They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside.

"Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”

Winners will be chosen by a public vote this month, and announced in the spring. The national champion will be announced at a reception at the House of Lords in June. 

The public vote opens this Saturday (February 10).