Edwards Seaweed Fertiliser Celebrates Family Business of the Year Win at Rural Awards 2026
Edwards Seaweed Fertiliser UK is celebrating after being crowned Family Business of the Year at the prestigious Rural Awards 2026, recognising the dedication, hard work and family values behind the growing agricultural business.
The awards ceremony, held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on Thursday, 22 October, brought together around 200 farmers, agricultural suppliers, rural businesses and industry representatives to celebrate the very best of the region's farming and rural communities.
Organised by The Farmer and the Shropshire Star, the Rural Awards returned for their second year, recognising outstanding achievements across 12 categories, including farming, sustainability, diversification and rural enterprise.
Edwards Seaweed Fertiliser UK was announced as the winner of the Family Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Ballards, marking a proud moment for founder Dave Edwards, his family and the entire Edwards team.
Speaking following the announcement, Dave Edwards said:
"I couldn't be prouder of my family and everything we have achieved together. We've all worked incredibly hard to build Edwards Seaweed into the business it is today, and to have that hard work recognised with an award like this really does mean the world to us.
"This is very much a family effort, but our family extends far beyond those of us with the Edwards name. We have a fantastic team of people who work alongside us every day, and we consider them part of the family too. They work tirelessly to look after our customers, provide the very best service and make sure we're always doing the best job we can.
"This award belongs to every single one of them. I'm so proud of what we've achieved together, and I want to say a huge thank you to our team, our customers and everyone who has supported us along the way. We couldn't do it with
out you."
The evening also raised funds for Aphasia Support Charity, an organisation supporting people with communication difficulties following a stroke or brain injury, a cause with particular personal significance for the Edwards team.
Dave added:
"It was also particularly poignant for us that the evening was supporting Aphasia Support Charity. A few years ago, one of our own team suffered a stroke, and as a close-knit business, we saw first-hand the impact this can have, not just on the individual, but on their family, friends and those caring for them. It's a cause that means a great deal to us, and we were especially pleased to be part of an evening that helped raise awareness and funds for such an important charity."
Edwards Seaweed Fertiliser UK has built its reputation on providing natural seaweed-based fertiliser solutions to farmers and growers across the agricultural sector, helping them support soil health, improve crop growth and adopt more sustainable approaches to farming.
With a growing range of products, including Edwards Advanced Seaweed Fertiliser and EASy BioN, the business continues to develop its offering while maintaining the personal approach and customer relationships at the heart of its success.
The Family Business of the Year Award recognises not only the achievements of the business but also the people, commitment and shared values that have helped Edwards Seaweed Fertiliser grow.
For Dave and the Edwards team, the award is a particularly special acknowledgement of what can be achieved when a family, supported by a dedicated team, works together with a shared passion for farming and its future.
The Rural Awards 2026 were hosted by local broadcaster Dicky Dodd, with winners selected by a panel of judges drawn from across the agricultural and rural business sectors.
