Chef Ned Bell

Each year, the Canola Award of Excellence is presented to an individual or organization recognizing their contributions to the sustained growth and prosperity of Manitoba’s canola industry. Owner and chef at the Naramata Inn, Ned Bell, was awarded the 2022 Canola Award of Excellence.

Ned has been using and promoting canola oil in the kitchen throughout his career as a chef, keynote speaker and educator. His primary advocacy work has been supporting the long-term health of the world’s oceans, lakes and rivers; which extended inland throughout his career to being 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.”

Ned’s love for tasty food and pledge to choosing Canadian ingredients inspires him to celebrate, advocate and educate consumers about sustainable farming and fishing. He has been engaged with canola farmers for years, and has worked closely with Canola Eat Well as a canola ambassador and guest chef at numerous events and workshops, promoting the versatility and functionality of canola oil across the country.

“What an honour, I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized with the Canola Award of Excellence. It is truly my pleasure to be able to celebrate farmers, and work with them from coast to coast,” says Ned. “I have been fortunate enough to work with Canola Eat Well for years, and 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.”

Please join us in thanking Ned for promoting canola oil, advocating and educating consumers, and contributing to the sustained growth and prosperity of Manitoba’s canola industry.

Ned was born in the Okanagan and grew up on the West Coast. His parents were hobby orchardists and backyard farmers. Surrounded by good food, culture and the great outdoors, food has always been a big part of his life. At age 14 Ned knew he wanted to be a chef, and after high school he went to culinary school and continued to cook around the world.

Ned met his wife, Kate, in Naramata while she was bidding on a contract for one of his restaurants. The two were married in Naramata and are now two of the four co-owners of the Naramata Inn. Ned and Kate live in Naramata with their three sons – Fin, Max and Jet – who are all very involved in the business. Visit nedbell.com or follow along @nedbell on Instagram.

Manitoba Canola Growers would like to thank Ned for his active role in promoting canola oil in the kitchen, advocating and educating consumers, and contributing to the sustained growth and prosperity of Manitoba’s canola industry.