Slow Food Saddleback, part of a worldwide movement to promote good, clean and fair food, has presented its Slow Food 2021 Snail of Approval Awards to 18 local food producers and makers.

All recipients are now eligible to apply to be chosen to receive this year's Slow Food Business Development Grant of up to $2,500, which can be used for professional development, new equipment, upgrades to land or premises or purchase of new varieties of produce.

"Through our Snails, we acknowledge the best of our region's primary producers, food artisans and restaurant and cafe outlets, that promote the Slow Food message and protect the biodiversity of the South Coast of NSW," says Slow Food Saddleback convenor, Celia Ward.

"They support healthy and seasonal choices through accessible and responsible local food production and supply. Our farmers also spend their energies on regenerative practices to improve their land and its healthy production of food."

This year's recipients of the Snail of Approval (look for the sign on their windows and stalls) are:

• Buena Vista Farm, Gerringong
• The Pines, Kiama
• Valley Cheesemakers, Kangaroo Valley
• Moonacres Kitchen, Robertson
• Schottlanders Wagyu, Rose Valley
• Dandelion & Mallow, Gerringong
• Loquacious Kombucha
• Miss Arda, Kiama
• Otis Deli, Kiama
• Silica, Kiama
• Harrod's Garden
• Pecora Dairy, Robertson
• Blue Swimmer, Gerroa
• Haven Island Oysters, Gerringong
• Betty's BBQ, Kangaroo Valley
• Blue Acres Farm and Tours
• Gung's Gourmet Thai, Port Kembla
• Ola Chola, Kiama