The FEC’s mission is “to challenge government, business and society to make wise choices that lead to better food and farming”. It is currently conducting a major enquiry into fairness in the food system, and what this means in practice for government, businesses and the public

The Derek Cooper Award is one of the categories of BBC Radio 4’s Food & Farming Awards 2009. It is named after the founder and former presenter of The Food Programme, and honours individuals or organisations that have increased knowledge and understanding of good food, and the role it plays.

Alongside the FEC, the school-focused campaign group Food For Life Partnership is on the shortlist, as is Ian Piggott for ‘Open Farm Sunday’.

The winner will be announced in November.