Lord Taylor of Holbeach was named ‘personality of the year’ in the 2012 Food and Farming Industry Awards.
The former boss of Holbeach firm Taylor Bulbs – and former parliamentary under secretary of state at DEFRA – received his award in a ceremony at the House of Commons.
Judges described Lord Taylor as “an erudite and eloquent voice for UK agriculture” and “a warm personality with a great deal of time for people and purpose”.
They paid tribute to his work at DEFRA until his “great talents were claimed by the Home Office” in the cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking last year on his promotion to the Home Office, Lord Taylor said he didn’t plan a life with a Government job in mind but intended to bring “some South Lincolnshire common sense” to the role.
He was made a peer six years ago after years of voluntary involvement with The Conservative Party.
Lord Taylor was president and Conservative Conference chair from 1997-1998 and deputy chairman of the party from 2000-2003.
He spent years at the helm of Taylors Bulbs, but the business is now run by his son, Adam, and nephew Sam Taylor.
The 2012 Food and Farming Awards were hosted by MP Neil Parish and political journalist Andrew Neil was the guest speaker.
Lord Taylor was presented with his award by Barry Coleman, agricultural product manager at Firestone.
The awards are held to celebrate the people and the companies that grow the economy through innovation and ideas.