Naramata chef wins excellence award from Manitoba Canola Growers Association

A Naramata chef who is committed to using Canadian ingredients has been recognized by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association with the "Canola Award of Excellence."

Ned Bell, the celebrity chef who took over the Naramata Inn in early 2020, was given the award due to his commitment to utilizing Canadian-made canola oil in his kitchen throughout his career as a chef, keynote speaker and educator.

The organization called him a "champion for Canadian farmers and their stewardship."

"Canola farmers, and those of us who support them, are so grateful for advocates like Ned,” says Delaney Ross Burtnack, executive director, Manitoba Canola Growers Association.

“His commitment to sharing the real story of farming in Canada, and particularly coming to the aid of canola farmers when their biggest market was threatened in recent years, demonstrates his selfless commitment to building a better network of understanding and support for Canadian farmers. Ned is among good company of people who have gone above and beyond for canola farmers, and I’m thrilled we can do something to recognize Ned for his efforts.”

Bell called the award "an honour," and said it is his pleasure to celebrate farmers.

"I love canola oil – it is one of my favourite ingredients in many of my dishes. Farmers help me to be able to make things tasty and in doing so, celebrate our region, celebrate our communities, and celebrate Canada. At the end of the day, I’m one of the lucky ones because I get to do what I love, and I couldn’t do it without canola farmers," Bell said.

Bell and his wife Kate are two of four owners of the Naramata Inn.