The horticulturist from Villalcázar de Sirga (Palencia) Emilio Medina, creator of the project La Mielga, has been awarded the National Gastronomy Prize 2026 for Young Talent for his work in rescuing seeds and traditional agricultural varieties, as well as for the preservation of the popular knowledge linked to them, according to the Royal Academy of Gastronomy (RAG).
The jury, which met on October 21 under the presidency of chef Dabiz Muñoz, emphasized the originality and complexity of a proposal that links the protection of agricultural heritage with research, innovation, and the promotion of rural areas.
For nearly ten years, Medina has been developing his work in a family garden in Tierra de Campos, where he has gathered a wide collection of tomato varieties, as well as legumes, garlic, and other vegetables. An important part of the seeds comes from exchanges with farmers and elderly people from different areas, which allows for the rescue of threatened varieties and keeps the knowledge of traditional agriculture alive.
The horticulturist is responsible for cultivating, selecting, and adapting these varieties to the conditions of his environment. In 2026, his Negro del Escorial tomato was chosen as the best tomato in Spain at the National Fair of Ancient Tomatoes in Polanco, and Medina became part of the list of the 100 Young Talents of Gastronomy compiled by the Basque Culinary Center.
"Emilio Medina fits very well with the spirit of this award, with what we seek in candidates. It is a difficult, different project that is coherent with what we value with this recognition," Muñoz has pointed out.
The jury has also highlighted his ability to communicate his project and raise public awareness about the importance of protecting traditional varieties, as well as his role as a reference for other young people to encourage them to start initiatives linked to the territory.
Delivery of the National Gastronomy Awards 2026 in Toledo
The ceremony for the National Gastronomy Awards 2026 will take place on November 9 at the El Greco Congress Palace in Toledo, within the RAG model that aims to celebrate each edition in a different location to highlight the gastronomic diversity of the country.
These awards, which have been granted since 1974, recognize the excellence, talent, and contribution of professionals who promote Spanish gastronomy from different fields.