Six Tauranga Farmers Market members are among the winners in the 2015 Farmers Markets New Zealand Food Awards, judged by 2014 Master Chef winners Kasey and Karena Bird of Maketu.

Pauline Alexander of Pahoia Fresh Produce won the juiciest stone fruit section with her avocado entry.

Tauranga Boys' College hospitality students Caven Lane and Liam Ross-McAlpine preparing fresh produce for judging in the 2015 Farmers Markets New Zealand Food Awards.

The winner of 'dirt off the roots” was Southern Belle Orchard's Emily Meese with Sweetpoint capisums grown on the family property at Hinuera.

Competition was so tough for the creamiest produce from the dairy section that two winners were announced; Liz Mackay of Jersey Girl Organics, Matamata with fresh organic jersey whole milk and Chris and Jill Whalley of Mount Eliza Cheese Ltd Katikati for a selection of cheeses.

Wyn and Chris Daniell of Harbourside Macadamias Katikati won the tastiest nut products category with their macadamia liqueur, and Jim Pringle of MaKutchens NZ Ltd, Tauranga won the preserves section with probiotic fermented vegetables.

Kasey and Karena judged the 116 entries from farmers markets all around the country over two days and were impressed with the quality and variety of entries and the passion and pride producers showed in their products.

Judging took place in the kitchen of Rex and Imedla Tucker, of Tucker's Cornish Pasties in Tauranga were Tauranga Boys' College hospitality students Caven Lane and Liam Ross-McAlpine prepared and cooked produce for sampling.

Maggie Asplet, Farmers Market New Zealand chair, says the quality and diversity of entries shows the high standards of food on offer at farmers' markets and winning an award is coveted by members.

'While the awards won't be officially presented until the Farmers Market New Zealand conference in July, winners are notified immediately after judging so they can display information on their stalls and the public can enjoy award winning produce and products while they are still available.”

Entries included in-season fruit and vegetables; baked goods including donuts and bread; preserves; butchery and nut products.