Countryside and farming champion Alan Titchmarsh recognised in New Year's Honours List for services to horticulture

Farming champion Alan Titchmarsh has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List for his contribution to growing food, plants and vegetables, alongside his philanthropic work. 

The Gardeners' World icon and broadcaster was awarded a CBE for his services to horticulture and charity in the prestigious New Year's accolade.

With a career spanning more than four decades, he now hosts the popular Sunday morning programme Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh for ITV, which features regular segments and discussions about farming, the countryside and growing food and plants.

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He is also an ambassador for organisations including the Royal Countryside Fund, the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and National Garden Scheme.

Born in the Yorkshire town of Ilkley, Mr Titchmarsh went on to study horticulture at what was then known as the Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture before entering journalism where his passion for gardening came to life.

When he received the news, Mr Titchmarsh said he was 'surprised but delighted'.

"I have been an MBE for 25 years, so I kind of thought that was it," he added.

"I have been very happy with that.

"There was the odd tear." 

"[I went to my wife] and said 'I have had this letter from the Cabinet Office'.

"And when I realised it was not a summons, I thrilled to bits.

"Also surprised, but honoured that I should be thought worth a CBE, flattered beyond belief.

"I am chuffed to bits and deeply honoured."

Speaking on the importance of backing farmers, he added: "We need to get used to supporting our growers more post-Brexit to ask for seasonal and local produce.

"Look to your roots during the Winter with potatoes, parsnips, swedes, turnips.

"We need to get used to them more.

"You will find your diet changes and it is more exciting than having avocados flown over from felled rainforests across the oceans.

"Why should we do that?"

He also encouraged people to grow their own produce too.

"You can grow them in pots or hanging baskets by your doorstep," Mr Titchmarsh said. 

"Look at growing something and the sense of achievement is wonderful.

"Then we are all doing our bit in being responsible and supporting British growers and the British climate. 

"Our seasonality is an advantage because we love waiting for the Spring.

"It is gorgeous."

Mr Titchmarsh was also joined in the New Year's Honours List by former NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes, who was recognised for his services to dairy farming. 

Other figures to have received honours include:

• Dr Amanda Jean Carson, former Small Ruminant Expert Group at the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Awarded an MBE for services to farming and the protection of rare breeds

• Mark William Fane, chief executive of Crocus. Awarded an MBE for services to horticulture

• Duncan Charles Farrington, farmer and founder of Farrington Oils. Awarded an MBE for services to agriculture and the food and drink industry

• Barbara Gardner, founder and chief executive officer of the Animals Interfaith Alliance and trustee and treasurer of the RSPCA. Awarded an MBE for services to animal welfare

• Gillian Anne Hodgson, founder of Flowers From the Farm. Awarded an MBE for services to floristry

• Susan Medway, director and curator at Chelsea Physic Garden. Awarded an MBE for services to horticulture and charity

  Timothy Porter, former chair of veterinary charity Blue Cross. Awarded an OBE for services to animal welfare

• Professor Gerard Samuel Saddler, head of science and advice for Scottish agriculture and Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland. Awarded an MBE for services to Scottish plant health and biosecurity

• Julian Anthony Sayers, director at Adkin. Awarded an MBE for services to agriculture

• Professor Susan Welburn, professor of medical and veterinary molecular epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh. Awarded an OBE for services to One Health research and disease elimination

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