LEAF appoints new chairman

Philip has spent 40 years managing and advising businesses in nearly every sector of the agriculture industry, having direct responsibility for the management of 7,000 acres of primarily arable farming in Lincolnshire as well as Non-Executive Directorships across the food and farming sector. He has had a long connection with LEAF, having been Manager of the Nevile Estate in Lincolnshire, one of LEAF’s first Demonstration Farms.

Speaking on his appointment, Philip said: “I feel very privileged to take over as Chairman of LEAF at a time when it has such an important role to play in championing sustainable food and farming.

“Core to LEAF’s work is the importance of Integrated Farm Management and building farmers’ capability to deliver more productive and sustainable food with our ambitious plans around our Knowledge Exchange, outreach and the strengthening of the LEAF Marque. Not only that, we will also be scaling up our education and public engagement activities following LEAF’s recent merger with FACE (Farming and Countryside Education).

“The time could not be more right for LEAF and we, and the wider farming industry, are indebted to Stephen for his passion, determination and leadership that has taken LEAF to where it is today.”

Stephen Fell added: “I have had a rewarding and fascinating time as chairman of LEAF over the last eight years. We have built up a tremendous team, made great strides in encouraging sustainable farming through Integrated Farm Management, and really put LEAF on the map.

“I hand over at an exciting time, to my successor Philip Wynn, who I know has the skills and experience to build on LEAF's vision and drive our current strategy forward. I wish him and the organisation every success.”

LEAF’s fifth Global Impacts Report revealed that it is continuing to consolidate its strong position in the cereals and horticulture sectors while progress is also being seen in the livestock sector.

The total number of LEAF Marque certified businesses in all sectors across the globe now totals 1,013, covering 367,395 hectares.

In the fresh produce sector, LEAF Marque has further consolidated its strong position, with 1 in 3 hectares of UK fruit and vegetables being grown to the LEAF Marque Standard.

Caroline Drummond MBE, Chief Executive of LEAF, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Stephen Fell on behalf of all the LEAF members, trustees and staff and also from a personal point of view. During his tenure, Stephen has been ambitious, challenging and a true inspiration for driving LEAF into a new era.

“We have seen the organisation evolve through the growth of the LEAF Marque, our Demonstration Farm activities and through our recent merger with FACE. We are extremely grateful for Stephen’s dedication, commitment and vision. I know I speak on behalf of the entire LEAF team when I say we look forward to working closely with Philip Wynn who has been a great supporter of LEAF for so many years.”

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