Farmer Sally selected as the face of British Food Fortnight

The organisers of the promotion asked romantic comedy writer and countrywoman Jilly Cooper to pick a portrait of a farmer to appear on the home page of the event’s website.

They told Miss Cooper they wanted someone who conveyed “wholesomeness, hard work, reliability, integrity, a sense of tradition, healthiness and a bright future”.

The novelist said after picking her winner: “I have to say that I fell in love with Sally Jackson. She has a lovely warm face and I was so impressed by the number of things that she does with her farm.”

Event organiser Alexia Robinson said: “We have found someone who epitomises everything that British Food Fortnight is about. She produces fabulous quality food that reflects the beautiful part of the country it comes from. And the work she does with children makes her a great ambassador.”

Mrs Jackson and her husband, Andrew, started The Pink Pig at Holme, Scunthorpe, in 1997 – a mixed organic farm at the heart of their conventional arable business. Then they started selling the produce from a table and that little outlet grew into a shop, cafe and visitor centre, employing 20 people.

Because of the cost of organic feed, the farm’s traditional-breed pigs are nowadays just free-range but lamb, eggs and vegetables are still certified organic. Some of the produce is also sold at Brigg Farmers’ Market.

About 1,500 children pass through every year on school trips and the farm’s annual Children’s Food Festival has won awards.

Mrs Jackson said yesterday: “It is wonderful for my family and all my team to win this recognition for their hard work promoting local British food.”

British Food Fortnight, now in its 10th year, will run from September 17 to October 2 and is supported by more than 70 organisations.

Food outlets, hotels, councils, schools and markets are expected to run special menus and promotions. In 2012, the fortnight will be July 27 to August 12, to coincide with the London Olympics.

The Pink Pig Farm is at DN16 3RE. See www.pinkpigfarm.co.uk