This year, the awards have been divided into two categories: ‘Achievement in Growing the Organic Industry’, which goes to Paddy Doherty for helping to develop organic standards in Canada; and ‘Achievement in Growing Organic Agriculture’, which goes to what the OTA called “America's first and most influential organic rice growing family”, the Lundbergs of California.

OTA executive director Christine Bushway said: “Paddy Doherty and the Lundberg brothers are hard-working, committed organic heroes whose determination, passion and vision have helped the organic industry survive and thrive despite often difficult and challenging times.”