The New Year’s Honours list 2019, published on Saturday 29th December, has recognised the outstanding achievements of people across the United Kingdom, including those from the food industry.
Former National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Meurig Raymond was one of those to be awarded a CBE.
NFU president Minette Batters congratulated Raymond on receiving the honour for his services to farming.
Batters said: “Meurig has been a fantastic advocate of British farming for decades and continues to be a stalwart of the industry, championing British farming in all he does.
“During his time as president of the NFU he was a tireless worker for his members and I am incredibly pleased to see his achievements recognised by receiving this honour.
“Whether it was in Westminster, Brussels or even further afield, Meurig always had what was best for British farmers and growers at the forefront of his mind and made it his mission to represent their interests to politicians, civil servants, the supply chain and the wider industry.
“He was acutely aware how important British farming was to the country in its role producing safe, traceable and affordable food to the public and he was driven by a desire to ensure British farmers were fairly rewarded for their work.
“Meurig is a passionate supporter of British farming and this always shone through in his work representing farmers and growers. I am proud to have worked with him as part of the NFU’s officeholder team and I want to congratulate him on receiving this honour.”
Other people awarded included Paul John Lindley, entrepreneur and founder of Ella’s Kitchen.
Lindley was recognised for services to exports in the food and drink sector and to children’s welfare.
Thomasina Jean Miers, a chef and restaurateur, was also recognised for services to the food industry with an OBE.
Henry James Crawford, managing director at Get Fresh NI, received a OBE for services to the Northern Ireland food and hospitality sectors.
Nisha Sujata Katona, founder and director of Mowgli Street Food Group Ltd, received an OBE for services to the food industry.
Finally Brian John Sullivan, head of Contingency Planning and Security, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, was awarded an OBE for services to emergency planning and management.
The honours list continues to demonstrate the breadth of service given by people from all backgrounds from all across the UK, and a total of 1,148 people were recognised.