We are delighted to share the news that John Cannon has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to the British Cobnut Industry. The honour is a reflection of a lifetime of service to the industry, farming and the rural community.
On receiving the award John said “I am honoured to be in this position but many other dedicated people have helped to grow the cobnut association.”
John founded the Kentish Cobnuts Association in 1990 in a bid to boost and protect the industry. Around that time, Cobnuts were threatened by proposed EU legislation banning the sale of all fresh nuts. John called a meeting of nut growers and, with the help of the National Farmers Union, the Government was persuaded to oppose the legislation and save nut growing in Britain.
The Kentish Cobnuts Association has since grown and has been a strong voice for the industry. Providing guidance, promotion and support to growers. John has shared his knowledge extensively and has helped growers across the country. Since the KCA’s establishment, Chairman have included John, Alexander Hunt and Gillian Jones.
John has also been active in numerous other organisations. He was chairman of his local NFU branch and NFU county chairman in 1983/4. He also worked with CPRE and on the Upper Medway Drainage Board.
At 88, John is still actively involved with cobnuts as life President of the Kentish Cobnuts Association. In 2019, he hosted RHS members and showed them all about cobnuts and in January 2020, he will be sharing his cobnut pruning knowledge as part of a KCA event (see the event details from last year).
The MBE is a fine recognition of his endless enthusiasm for cobnuts, nut growing and all aspects of their marketing and cultivation.
