FARMERS CLUB CUP WINNER 2022

THE Farmers Club Cup was presented with pleasure, but considerable regret at not being able to do so in person, as John announced Dr Caroline Drummond, late CEO of LEAF, as the posthumous winner, presenting the cup to her husband Philip Ward.

Caroline, a Club member, was known to almost all members of the Club and had a huge influence on agriculture, the countryside and sustainability. She was a pioneer of sustainable farming and food production, and driving force behind the global charity LEAF for more than 30 years.

Caroline led LEAF from its inception in 1991, and as Chief Executive expanded it into a globally recognised and respected organisation. Through its network of demonstration farms – managed to the highest standards – it showcases good practice to farmers and the public.

One of Caroline’s greatest achievements was the development and 2002 launch of the LEAF Marque, a UK-based farm assurance scheme that recognises and labels fresh produce, meat and arable crops grown to approved environmental standards.

Following initial scepticism from some retailers, Waitrose was the first UK supermarket to adopt the scheme in 2007. It is now used in 19 countries, certifying 48% of all UK-produced fresh fruit and vegetables. A major milestone came last autumn when Tesco began to roll out the scheme to its entire UK and global grower base.

Caroline also oversaw the introduction of Open Farm Sunday in 2006, which sees farmers open their gates to the public annually, typically attracting more than 250,000 visitors. Inspired by a model in Denmark, it has been instrumental in connecting consumers with farming, showing them where their food comes from and how it is produced.

Taken far too early, at the age of 58, John made much reference to the impact Caroline had made over very many years to sustainable farming in particular, but also to a number of cross-cutting agricultural initiatives.

A worthy award, tinged with sadness, but also remembrance of a woman who made a significant difference to the thinking of many for farming in the future.

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