The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association is delighted to announce that Mark Gorton, founder and managing director of Traditional Norfolk Poultry (TNP), has been named the 2026 winner of the Timothy Colman Prize, recognising exceptional service to food, farming and the rural economy.

Mark’s career represents one of Norfolk’s most remarkable agricultural success stories. From humble beginnings raising 12 Christmas turkeys in a garden in Costessey Norwich, he has built TNP into the UK’s leading producer of free‑range and organic chickens and turkeys. Today, the business operates across East Anglia, supplying millions of birds each year to major retailers and some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants.

Mark’s influence extends far beyond his own business. He has been a long‑standing member of the NFU Poultry Board, an adviser on national welfare standards and a committed advocate for young people pursuing careers in agriculture.

In recent years, Mark has spearheaded one of the most significant developments in UK poultry health: the first major avian influenza vaccination trial. Hosted on TNP farms in Norfolk, the trial brings together Defra, APHA, veterinary specialists and scientific partners in a collaborative effort to tackle a disease that has caused severe losses across the sector.

The trial is attracting international attention, with its success offering the potential to transform global poultry health management.

RNAA chief executive Mark Nicholas praised Mark’s leadership and long‑standing contribution to Norfolk’s rural economy:

“Mark Gorton has made a considerable contribution to the development of the industry and local economic strategy. His commitment to innovation, welfare and the future of the poultry sector makes him an outstanding and deserving recipient of the Timothy Colman Prize.”

The award was formally announced at the RNAA Annual General Meeting, where guest speaker and NFU president Tom Bradshaw commended Mark’s resilience and industry impact.