LOTMEAD Farm has been shortlisted as a finalist in the national Pick Your Own of the Year 2016 FARMA awards.

The Wanborough Road business is one of three Pick Your Own farms shortlisted for the award and the only one in the south west.

The FARMA awards are designed to represent the best true farm retail businesses. Shortlisted businesses were those who showed real drive and passion and demonstrated skill in running a business and championing local produce direct from the farm.

John Meaden, manager of Lotmead Farm PYO, said: “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the award. Each year we try and make the Pick Your Own bigger and better than the year before and give local families the opportunity to have a great day out and to go home with tasty fruit and vegetables that not only surpasses the quality you get in the supermarkets but is usually also better value.

“To be the only Pick Your Own shortlisted in the south west is outstanding and although we know the others shortlisted are very good businesses too, we are hopeful that we’ll be walking away with the top prize at the ceremony next year.”

Michael Mack, managing agent for FARMA, said: “Lotmead submitted a great application this year and it’s a real credit that they have been shortlisted. This year the judges will be looking for businesses which have passionate leaders, fantastic staff and real understanding about the importance in the connection between the business and the farm.”

Over the coming months, Lotmead will have visits from the judges to explore the business in detail and on February 29, 2016 they will be on tenterhooks to see if they have been awarded the Pick Your Own of the Year award.

If Lotmead Farm should win the category, they will then be put forward to the grand finale with the chance to win the National Farm Retail Champion of 2016 award.

The FARMA awards have been assessing the farm shops, farmers’ markets and PYO for more than 10 years. Each year the judges look to find those businesses which not only demonstrate a real business acumen but also champion quality produce which they have produced themselves.