In Loving Memory of Caroline Drummond MBE

In Loving Memory of

Caroline Drummond

MBE

LEAF Chief Executive from 1991 to 2022

Caroline Drummond MBE

Hon DSc, NSch, Hon FSE, FRAgS, FIAgM, FRSA, FSB, CEnv, BSc (Hons) Agric 24th June 1963 - 23rd May 2022

Caroline was Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) for over 30 years. A force of nature, a visionary, and a champion for more sustainable farming. Caroline or ‘CD’ as she was known to so many, tirelessly championed the development and uptake of more sustainable, regenerative farming. She was also passionate about bridging the gap between farmers and the public. She led LEAF from the very beginning in 1991 when it was first formed, and for over 30 years has been the driving force behind the charity, which has grown from its humble beginnings to the globally recognised and respected organisation it is today.

Caroline touched so many of us and her legacy will live on. This book brings together a selection of tributes, memories and reflections from her many friends and colleagues from across the farming community and beyond. There were too many to include them all, but each one conveyed Caroline’s unique warmth, energy, drive and passion for a better, more sustainable world.

Caroline was one of a kind and I feel so privileged to have spent time with her. Each one of my encounters was a total pleasure and joy, I liked her enormously and admired her so much. She was not only incredibly passionate about LEAF and agriculture, she was so knowledgeable and engaging. The world of food and farming has lost a valuable champion in Caroline. Like you, I am determined to carry on Caroline’s legacy. She has set the bar very high for all of us to follow, but we must do what we can to make her proud.

HRH The Countess of Wessex LEAF Honorary President

Caroline was so missed by friends and colleagues at Groundswell 22 - An inspiration to many, she would have been so pleased to see her passion for change being realised in so many ways. Her legacy will live on for many years. From our early friendship at Shuttleworth to our last meeting together in February at the launch of the RASE ‘Farm of the Future’ report, I have admired Caroline’s passion, vision, incredibly hard work rate and her power to influence. But above all, she will always be ‘CD’ - a friend so sadly missed. Our love and thoughts to Phil and Gabrielle. Ruth and Mike xx

Mike Woollacott MD Greenwatt Technology

What an inspiration and a wonderful person. When I heard I went for a walk through the countryside as the best place to think of her, once you had met Caroline you would never forget her and would feel privileged for the time spent with her. What a star!

Paul Billings Germinal GB Ltd

Caroline was that rare thing of a high achiever who always remained grounded and was not only admired and respected for her capabilities and achievements but loved by so many of us for the person she actually was. I have such fond memories of those early years when we were one of the initial demonstration farms and was so pleased to later reconnect with LEAF and Caroline.

Bruce Tozer Past LEAF Demonstration Farmer

Caroline’s enthusiasm, vision and energy were unrivalled in the industry, and she has influenced so many people and so many acres across the world, and the fine state that LEAF is in is a testament to her dedication and leadership.

I was fortunate to have known Caroline for more than 30 years and my life has been enriched by her mentorship and friendship over that time. She went from being my lecturer, to interviewee, to fellow board member, but most importantly, friend.

I can’t think of a single person who has done more to improve farming over the last 30 years by Linking the Environment And Farming. Her legacy is enormous.

Cedric Porter LEAF Board Member

Many of my colleagues have worked with Caroline for nearly 30 years and throughout this time she did not fail to inspire through her energy, drive and vision. She will be truly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have worked with her and will be remembered as a truly remarkable leader in the agriculture industry.

Rebecca Hesketh Waitrose

Caroline was such a motivating and genuinely kind person. I loved one of the things she said so much in a meeting a few years ago, I have just found it in my old notes - it was in 2020: “We’re delighted that LEAF Online Farm Sunday gave us the opportunity to showcase the full kaleidoscope of farming in such an honest way.” I remember thinking you couldn’t put it a better way.

Harriette Roberts Sainsbury’s

Caroline was a force of nature and such an inspiration to many - my shock is immense and my grief is genuine - reading the tributes to her written by so many from different contexts shows the amazing impact she has had and how much she will be missed. Caroline has been an inspirational mentor and support to me personally & professionally for many years, and her drive and determination at LEAF was formidable.

Rachel Bragg Social Farms & Gardens

What an incredible lady. Her passion for developing a sustainable food and farming system was extraordinary and I am sure will live on through the continued work of LEAF as a powerful legacy. Professionally, I hope to continue working with LEAF colleagues on a number of areas. Personally, please pass along my deepest condolences to Philip and Gabrielle. Caroline spoke about them often, particularly Gabrielle as she went through University, and with evident pride and fondness.

Carol Wagstaff Reading Agricultural College

Caroline was an inspiration. She was so ambitious for LEAF, and always saw opportunities for LEAF to help tackle the biggest environmental challenges of our day. She was the voice of progress and will be so missed in the farming community. She has left an amazing legacy from her passion, commitment and hard work. What a testament. I’ve known Caroline for 17 years, including the last 6 while I’ve been a LEAF Trustee. I am so saddened by the loss of a very good friend.

Sara Eppel LEAF Board Member

Many of us have had the opportunity to work with Caroline over the years. Her passion for delivering a better farmed environment and her pioneering work in developing the LEAF marque were inspirational. Her success was founded in clear understanding that a truly long term sustainable approach to farming can only be achieved by full consideration of the environmental, social and economic outlook of the sector. It was her commitment and integrity which enabled the EA to work with LEAF to establish the earned recognition against environmental regulation for LEAF farms which we still apply today.

Above all however we will remember Caroline as somebody who had time for everybody, who did not put on airs and graces, and who was determined to work in partnership with others to make a positive difference. We will look forward to working with LEAF to build upon her legacy.

Kevin Austin Environment Agency

hit it off with Caroline. Lockerley and LEAF worked hand in glove for many events over the past few years and so much of this was down to Caroline. She had a true belief that things could be better and amazing ability to hold a conversation with farmers about hands on practical changes on farm but equally with government advisers, politicians and serious academics!

Caroline presented to a worshipful company of farmers business course back in 2019 and she demonstrated her famous “knife and apple trick”! the layers of the sea, rock, ice, forest and top soil.. throwing the pop up Frisby around the room and not forgetting the IFM wheel that was never far away.

Caroline often said “if you want to go fast, go alone and if you want to go far, go together”.. we will continue to work with others and “go together” as Caroline proved through LEAF that this is systematic change is possible.

We have some amazing memories from over the past few years but seeing Caroline presented with her lifetime achievement award at the Farmers weekly evening was brilliant. Launching Lockerley as a LEAF demo farm where HRH attended was of course a standout but some of the best times personally were the no nonsense conversations about big issues that we would be facing in the UK and global agriculture.

Craig Livingstone Lockerley Estate, LEAF Demonstration Farm

Lost for words, Caroline was a pioneer and someone who always had a smile and time to give. I can’t think of anyone who has done more for sustainable agriculture in modern times. Open Farm Sunday is always a key point within the farming year, it will have even more meaning now and a moment to celebrate her contribution to our industry.

Tom Gill

Caroline was such a wise, kind, tireless and inspiring leader. She has left a big imprint on British farming, profoundly shaping how the industry engages with sustainability and the environmental movement. She was widely trusted and willing to grapple with the knottiest issues faced in farming. I had the privilege of working with Caroline on many projects over the years, and we had more in the pipeline. I will much miss working with her.

Tom MacMillan Royal Agricultural University

Caroline was one of the kindest, most authentic, driven and engaging people I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. She leaves a wonderful legacy and I am sure the LEAF team will continue that work. She told me one of her favourite expressions was “when all is said and done, there is more said than done” and it was her job to change that!

Jonathan Armitage Strutt & Parker

A truly inspirational lady. I hope the LEAF family are encouraged by Caroline’s amazing drive, determination and vision. Agriculture will always miss this extraordinary woman.

Charlie Curtis

A kind person, a strong leader and a driving force in agriculture. Caroline has always been such an inspiration and will continue to be for so many. Her passing leaves a huge gap but she also leaves a community she worked so hard to build and a legacy and a vision that community continue to strive for.

Libby Rowland Barfoots of Botley

A truly inspiring woman who predicted where farming was heading and what it needed to do to address balancing up the huge biodiversity loss witnessed since the ‘70s. She was way ahead of her time and all our talk now is what she has been talking about and implementing for over 30 years. The industry is now catching up and believing in with what LEAF has been banging the drum about. Her perseverance is admirable. Thank you Caroline.

Catherine Hughes

Dear Caroline taken from us far too soon. As so many have said already, she worked tirelessly for others and gave so much, often making personal sacrifices. She was inspirational and so kind to me when I came into the industry. Will miss our very late night discussions over a whisky putting the world to rights. Much love to her beautiful family and wonderful colleagues at LEAF.

Jane King

Caroline, you will be greatly missed - you were warm, caring, supportive, generous with your time, and hugely knowledgeable and passionate about better farming. You united different parts of the sector in a way very few others have. You were a powerhouse in sustainable farming and your legacy will be long lasting.

Dan Crossley

Food Ethics Council

A major environmental champion. LEAF has lost its star but her legacy through so many LEAF farmers who I worked with over the years will ensure Caroline’s light still shines on the way to balance agricultural production with care for the environment continues to set the right standards.

Steve Pullan Severn Trent

Caroline was a truly impressive woman - a tour de force in the industry and took LEAF to amazing heights- she will be missed greatly. Important to carry on with the legacy she created and drove.

Rosie Bryson BASF

Big loss to the food industry, the environmental movement and to so many of us who Caroline encouraged to do better. She put so much energy into driving positive change at scale. Grateful for her ever determined yet kind intervention.

Carmel McQuaid Marks and Spencer

An outstanding leader who achieved so much for food, farming and the environment. A person of action who was determined to ensure a positive outcome however daunting the task. One in a million.

Rupert Turnbull

CD will be missed by so many, no more so than her dear family. You’ve left a remarkable legacy old friend.

Anne Walton

The task in hand has never been more challenging but Caroline has shown us the way, she used to say “when all is said and done……more is SAID than DONE!” Time for action in her honour.

Ian Edward Brown

Caroline was a genuine trail-blazer for sustainable agriculture, an inspiration, and a masterclass in courage and optimism; lost too soon. I feel lucky to have known her.

Lynn Dicks

No words indeed to express our sense of loss. Because we all gained so much from knowing & working with dear Caroline. Formidable, determined, persuasive, caring, inspired & inspiring, driven & driving: for us who worked with her we will continue to work for her and her vision.

Susie Emmett Green Shoots

Caroline is invincible! In the early days of LEAF and Assured Produce we had many friendly spars about many issues. But we had one big thing in common. Most people thought we were crazy and out of touch with reality. Her focus and passion at that time was, and always continued to be a shining light in the industry. Her family must be very proud of her. So sorry for them but hopefully comforted by the great legacy she has left.

John Chapple

There was so much to admire: her ability with people, and her lack of pretension and self-promotion. The response of farming and farmers to Caroline Drummond’s death is as genuine as the lady herself, and she will be sorely missed by very many, missed for the smile and humour as well as her energy.

Practical Farm Ideas

Caroline has been a hero of mine for years. Her dedication, kindness and utter selflessness in all she has done for farming is almost impossible to quantify. For years she often slept on the office floor. So modest, she was the quiet voice of farming letting her tremendous achievements speak for themselves. Life will be lesser without her smile.

Alexia Robinson

It was a privilege to know her and call her a mentor and a friend. Undoubtably changed my life for the better, changed the industry for the better, and therefore changed the food we all eat for the better. What a legacy.

Jenny Clark Past LEAF employee

Caroline created ripples that are turning into waves. The whole of UK agriculture owes an enormous debt of gratitude for that. Few create change in their lifetime.

Lucy de la Pasture CPM Magazine

To have met and worked with Caroline Drummond MBE, to have shared her passion for environmental and sustainable farming, to be a LEAF Demo Farm with her at the helm of LEAF, has been a huge honour and privilege. We will all miss her, farming and IFM particularly. The whole industry has lost a legend.

Nonington Farms LEAF Demonstration Farm

Caroline inspired the whole industry to “do better”.

She gave us all something to live up to.

Bayer Crop Science UK

CD was one of life’s Great people. She touched the hearts of anyone who met her.

Nick Wall

Dear Caroline we will all miss you so much. You were always a great friend, a fabulous mentor and so lovely to spend time with. A true star.

Alison Capper

Go well Caroline, and thank you for all of the brilliance you shared with us all.

Soilmentor

Caroline was a positive force in farming providing us all with the tools to change for the better. A great personality of which I will be constantly reminded about as I look around our countryside which she has helped shape. RIP Caroline.

Mike Clarke

Caroline Drummond, Nuffield Scholar, leader of LEAF & all round inspiration - you changed this industry for the better & that work will continue, thanks to you.

Anna Jones

Tough to sum up the impact that Caroline had across the whole of UK agriculture.

Organisations, fields, animals, our food, the environment and thousands of people are better off for knowing her or benefiting from her work. Your legacy will be as bright as your energy always was.

Alan Laidlaw

The spontaneous outpouring of grief at Caroline Drummond’s tragic death is a fitting tribute to a remarkable lady. She knew and was known by everyone who was anyone in farming and food and as their comments show they all loved and respected her. What a lady!

David Richardson

First LEAF Chairman

My friend, my inspiration, my farming conscience, my positive challenger. Our farming world is poorer today but your legacy will live on and your ambitions will be realised. Rest peacefully Caroline.

Jake Freestone LEAF Demonstration Farmer

Caroline was the most inspirational, focussed, and motivational individual; and so passionate about all she did. I have watched her with admiration as she pursued her stellar career over the last 30 plus years and cannot believe she is no longer with us. We were so pleased when Throws Farm became a LEAF Innovation Centre and Caroline really welcomed us into the fold. You will all miss her so much, I am sure; but she has certainly left behind a legacy you can all be proud of.

Clare Bend Origin Enterprises and Agrii UK

Above all else, Caroline was a personal friend and an inspiration to me and so many others. She was a tour de force within the agricultural community, her sense of purpose and commitment was renowned, and for which she will be greatly missed.

Caroline was first and foremost passionate about environmentally-friendly farming. She recognised how food production worked hand-in-hand with the environment and was a fantastic advocate for integrated farm management. She wanted to share this vision with the wider public, and hundreds of thousands of people have visited farms over many years through the Open Farm Sunday initiative she championed, where they saw farming and the environment in action. She was also the driving force behind educating young minds about where their food has come from and schools across the country have benefitted from her work.

Thank you Caroline, you taught so much to so many - your passion for food farming will never be forgotten.

Minette Batters

NFU President

Hard to contemplate how such a fireball can no longer be. Caroline influenced and meant more to me than I can say. A great friend and mentor - I will miss her. CD was inspiring, innovative, dogged and determined in her quest for better every damn day. And just great fun.

Alice Midmer

Past LEAF employee

Caroline was a genuine soul with a brilliant smile. My Nuffield 2013 classmate. A champion for agriculture!

Blake Vince

Caroline's name will forever be synonymous with LEAF. All that she was, and all that she did, inspired an entire industry to do things better. What a legacy.

I knew Caroline for over 30 years and she never changed, always a truly inspirational person.

Sean Sparling FRAgS

Across the CropLife UK network, many of us knew Caroline, worked with her, or shared a platform at a conference from time to time. I personally knew her over many years, and always enjoyed our conversations – whether in private or on a conference stage – as she was always challenging and engaging at the same time.

Dave Bench

CropLife UK

My thoughts are with all those who were touched by her light. I hope the legacy of LEAF will in time be a comfort to those grieving.

Diana Living Green

As I am sure everyone has commented, she was inspirational, on a personal level I have always looked up to her as an incredible leader with so much passion and fantastic ideas, I particularly loved how she had the ability to ask the most obvious questions to make sense of things.

Beth Metson Agrii

She was a true force of nature and achieved such an incredible amount with LEAF –a truly remarkable person.

Pat Neylon FWAG East Consultancy Ltd

Caroline was an amazing woman that has done so much for sustainable agriculture. Defra hold the extensive and important work of LEAF in high regard and look forward to working with you to continue Caroline’s legacy.

Jeni Webster DEFRA

Based on my few interactions with her whether at the general assembly of LEAF, or over the phone, I know just how special she was. She will be deeply missed. I am sure that every person that is engaged with LEAF will do all you can to continue to take LEAF and the LEAF Marque forward, as she would have wished, and I shall always be available in case you need my support.

Manal Saleh LEAF Member, GLOBAL G.A.P.

Caroline, you were a very special person, and it was an honour to have worked with you. You will be missed, despite your lasting and remarkable legacy. You not only helped those of us who are truly aiming to do environmental good define what we do, you helped us convey it. You fought tirelessly for us & we owe you so, so much. Thank you Caroline.

Tom Allen-Stevens BOFIN

I’ve known Caroline for my entire professional life and hugely admired everything she did for LEAF and the agriculture industry - she was such an inspiring, friendly and quietly determined person and we will all miss her a lot.

Emma Penny LEAF Board Member

I had the pleasure of meeting Caroline a couple of times at some AHDB/NFU meetings….what an amazing lady and a fantastic leader and advocate. We have lost a rock that can never be replaced.

Neal Evans Voluntary Initiative

We know how much she was loved and her presence and knowledge will be sorely missed. She was an incredible lady.

Matt Waldie Front Farming

Caroline’s life’s work was dedicated to promoting responsible farming through the activities of LEAF, including the need to manage land in greater harmony with the natural environment. She will be greatly missed by many people across the farming industry. Over 30 years since LEAF was founded, Caroline’s vision, drive and communication skills enabled LEAF to work with farmers, food processors, scientists, environmentalists and consumers to encourage creation of sustainable farming systems. Her legacy will be an organisation that promotes regenerative faming in 33 countries worldwide.

Richard Gueterbock

I only met her a couple of times, but she was a lovely lady. She has helped create a very special organisation.

Tom Robinson The Adventure Farm

Caroline was a true asset to the farming industry bringing together town and country to educate about farming and conservation. Her legacy will live on indefinitely and I for one am proud to be part of the LEAF family and will continue to promote Caroline’s message.

Lewis Butlin Agrovista UK Ltd

Our paths crossed a few times but my lasting memory will be when we interviewed Caroline for the Farming Show. Her passion and commitment to driving what she strongly believed to be crucial change was striking. The agriculture industry has lost a great ambassador but Caroline’s legacy will benefit generations to come.

Rob Dunn Kidderminster College

Caroline was the one person in the industry we knew we could trust FACE to when we merged with LEAF in 2017. I learned a lot from her and enjoyed working with her in that transition, and am grateful for all she has done since.

Dan Corlett

I was the relevant deputy director in DEFRA when LEAF nearly went under. It was very much down to Caroline’s persuasiveness that I was able to lever some money out of the system to tide the organisation over. A committed advocate who will be greatly missed.

Peter Cleasby

Caroline was an inspiring leader who transformed LEAF and influenced so many within the farming industry. She will never be forgotten by those who have and aspire to achieve all that she championed. Her foresight will benefit generations of farmers over many years to come.

Julian Sayers Adkin

Caroline was a great help and inspiration to my University classmates and I at Queen’s University Belfast when she kindly attended and spoke at our symposium on “Sustainable Food Production in Agriculture” in 2010. Her passion for the industry and promoting farming in a balanced approach was clear to see in everything she did.

Alan Lockhart

I have known and worked with Caroline for almost 30 years. She has brought inspiration, practicality and success to the whole Agri industry and personally supported me throughout my career. Caroline will be missed by all.

Johnathan Sutton

What a fabulous colleague and friend we have lost; such a passionate and persuasive voice; and what a legacy she leaves!

Jonathan Wheeler

Caroline was a true leader of Purpose. Her passion and dedication to sustainable farming was remarkable. Her beautiful soul will be missed on this planet earth.

Iris Maria Alexis Van der Veken

Caroline was a lovely and dedicated individual. We spoke on many occasions about how best to link healthy food production to the communities who need that food most. She was a strong advocate of a more sustainable and equitable food system. She will be hugely missed.

Jonathan Pauling

I had the pleasure of recording an interview with Caroline for my podcast earlier this year. Caroline was always open, accessible and relevant, straddling that ground between commercial agriculture and responsible environmental practice. We’ve lost a wonderful ambassador for our industry. Thank you and RIP Caroline.

Chris Biddle

Caroline was a wonderful person, a real inspiration with a personality that lit up a room. She was a real driving force in the sector and will be greatly missed.

David Jacobmeyer

We have lost one of the leaders that has been instrumental in driving the necessary change. Let us all continue to collaborate guided by her spirit and legacy!

Kristian Moeller

Caroline was such a strong and passionate advocate, very much ahead of her time on many issues. She was a great asset to the farming industry. She was most kind to me when I first started covering rural issues. Big loss to the farming community.

Dimitri Houtart

Caroline was so widely admired for her contribution to agriculture. She was always a joy to meet and we will remember her warm smiling greeting and passionate commitment to LEAF and its mission.

Euryn Jones

I enjoyed my conversations with Caroline, in particular how she always managed to challenge me in a way that nobody else has or does - which I’m grateful for. She leaves us way too soon but her legacy will remain for generations.

Anna Eccleston

I worked with Caroline in the very early days of LEAF when the message of sustainable farming was not well received but her encouragement and support was unfailing. A great loss but a great achievement and service to agriculture.

Guy Tindale

Her calm, persistent passion for leading others to see and believe in the right path forward inspired such progression in farming throughout the world.

Paul Yarrow

I am sure you will miss her personally as well as professionally, as will be the case for many of those she came in to touch with and influenced over the years.

Caroline has certainly started something great and it has been a great pleasure knowing and working alongside her over the last 30 years I‘ve known her, she has been a great influence on my choices in how I wish to run my business for now and for future generations. I am thinking of you all at LEAF, we have had some great times over the years and I look forward to many more.

Duncan Farrington Farrington Oils Ltd, LEAF Demonstration Farm

Caroline was part of our Nuffield 2013 year group and I was fortunate enough to sit next to her on a flight to Canada. She was a genuinely lovely lady, interested in what everyone had to say and really good fun.

Tom Sewell

Caroline always had so much time, energy, enthusiasm, and a true generosity to share with others.

Olivia Cooper

Caroline was an amazing woman. Powerful orator, passionate about farming and always smiling and full of enthusiasm and zest for life.

Charlotte Russell

Caroline was a star, always supportive and had time for people. She did so much for farming and the public.

Naomi Cox

There was absolutely nobody like Caroline. An absolute star leader of the British farming community who had such a wonderful manner and sense of humour.

Ben Eagle

She was an utter tour de force and will be so very greatly missed by everyone who knew her and those within the wider community. Her legacy is a truly fantastic one and we look forward to continuing to champion her work through our partnership with you and the rollout of the LEAF Marque.

Anna Turrell Tesco

Caroline was an exceptional person. A true pioneer whose vision and relentless commitment impacted farming across the globe.

Beth Hart

Caroline was an inspiration to farmers who wanted to push the boundaries for sustainable food production and conservation and has created an enormous following.

Mark

Tufnell, President of

CLA

A lovely lady and a true Countryside Champion. Always a positive and dynamic leader, and a tremendous advocate for our rural landscape. It was a privilege to work with her.

Phil Jarvis

Huge respect for what Caroline achieved, and many fond memories of her guidance and infectious humour.

David Kay

Caroline will be missed by all. Her support across the industry was unparalleled. She has left UK agriculture in a far better place.

Hutchinsons

Caroline was enormously kind, hugely innovative, generous with her time, infectious in her enthusiasm and will be bitterly missed.

Paul Davey

Caroline was always so warm and supportive, and I’ll miss her greatly.

Will Evans

I (and we) loved working with Caroline. She was so dedicated to the cause and had such indomitable drive and humour even in the face of all the obstacles to achieving sustainable farming. Go well, friend.

Kath Dalmeny

Remember phoning her out of the blue 22 years ago for help with my dissertation at college. Only too glad to help me, lots of information and put me in touch with a couple of farms to visit. A great loss to UK agriculture, she will be missed.

Lee Dallyn

What a wonderful woman, and an inspiration to the agricultural community. She will be dearly missed and well thought of for years to come.

Jersey Royal Company LEAF Demonstration Farm

Caroline left her mark on the industry, and on everyone who met her, to a degree that few others achieve. She will be sorely missed.

Tom Chapman

What an ambassador for our industry, ahead of her time on so many things & a wonderful person to be around.

Ally Hunter Blair LEAF Open Farm Sunday Host Farmer

I remember meeting Caroline at my first LEAF Conference when I started working for the NFU. She had time to stop and chat, with kindness and patience for someone who knew nobody in the room.

Victoria

Caroline has been a beacon of inspiration to all involved in sustainable farming, plus kind and always generous with her knowledge. She will be much missed.

Wicked Leeks

Caroline was such a strong advocate of the delicate balance between productive agriculture and the environment. From whatever perspective people came from they all respected Caroline.

Jim Dixon FRSA

Last time I saw Caroline was at Groundswell 2021, I bumped into her in the pizza queue and we both had a right chuckle together. She always had something to say which really made you think about things carefully.

Kieran Walsh

Caroline was an inspiration to me. So supportive and giving of her time. A wonderful woman who led the way for so many. She will be greatly missed.

Sophie Green

Caroline was a rare person who genuinely understood all of the farming and food industry and made massive strides in uniting all sides and promoting what we all do.

Oliver Dowding

Caroline’s knowledge, advocacy and zest for life will be enormously missed.

Farmers Weekly

Few people have achieved as much as Caroline Drummond did for agriculture & our farming communities. I worked with her over 30 years & had the most enormous respect and love for this lady. Quite simply a wonderful person and I will miss her.

Andrée Carter

Caroline was a good, supportive and critical friend to us at FFC Commission, who could always be relied on to be straight with us, with her trademark warmth and humour. She leaves a brilliant legacy in LEAF and all those she inspired to change.

Sue Pritchard

I have known CD since Seale-Hayne Ag College in the 1980’s and even voted for her to be the Student Union President. Some years later I worked with her at LEAF and enjoyed almost 9 years as a colleague. RIP LEAF Chief!

Anthony Goggin

Having had the pleasure and privilege to work with Caroline for over 20 years - it was an absolute pleasure and absolute privilege. A big loss for all who knew her.

Darren Moorcroft

I remember the first time I saw Caroline speak at a conference years ago and feeling completely inspired by her passion for British Agriculture, she leaves behind an incredible legacy.

Anna Swinson

What she did for agriculture was inspirational and probably unrepeatable. She leaves a huge legacy and I feel privileged to have known her.

Philip Gorringe

She was inspiring to those of us building our careers in this industry, and by all accounts a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed.

Rebecca Dawson

Our industry has lost an absolute giant, a kind passionate and driven woman, an inspiration to me, a role model of the highest order. A great voice, not just the tone, but the words that have led, encouraged, engaged and inspired.

Sarah Bell

I met Caroline when I was first started working on agriculture and she was always insightful, warm, funny and a passionate champion for LEAF’s work and her team.

Angela Francis

Caroline taught me at Shuttleworth for a year before leaving to get involved with LEAF. She then introduced us as demo farmers a few years later. Caroline had a profoundly positive effect on me & she is a massive loss to our industry.

Doug Wanstall

She inspired me at Shutts too, she was pioneering the environment and farming way before it was fashionable.

Jeremy Squirell

Caroline was an authentic, alternative voice who, with dogged determination, put environment into the heart of farming. She will be sorely missed.

Martin Harper

There are people who make a difference and people who MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Caroline was the latter and will leave a huge hole in the agriculture sector. An inspiration to so many and someone who really moved the dial in such a positive way.

Julian Gairdner

I first met Caroline when I interviewed her in the first few years of LEAF. She was a shining, passionate advocate of all that is best about farming, and continued to be so throughout the years.

Sarah Mukherjee

IEMA

(Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment)

I’ve known Caroline for longer than I care to disclose and know how much she will be missed by all who knew her. A great loss to the farming industry.

Andy Guy LEAF Consultant

Our paths crossed often via Nuffield and Oxford Farming. Wonderful company and a massive loss to agriculture and education. We will miss you Caroline.

Caroline Millar

A real and sad loss to our industry. Caroline’s conviction was the driving force behind LEAF - making it the organisation that we are all proud to be part of.

Martin Emmett

Caroline was a remarkable woman and our industry is forever indebted to her.

Barfoots UK LEAF Demonstration Farm

One of the most positive people you would ever hope to meet.

Guy Smith

Honoured to have known her through the Nuffield program. Respect and admiration for Caroline and her legacy go far beyond the UK border and she will be long remembered.

Clayton Robins

We had the privilege of working with Caroline over the past few years - she was a force of nature and a real inspiration. Caroline will be truly missed by all of us here.

Jordans Cereals

Caroline will be missed terribly. Such an inspirational, warm, generous, enthusiastic and powerful advocate for farming in the UK and beyond.

Syngenta UK

I only knew Caroline a little but was always struck by how warm, inspiring and sharpwitted she was. Such a huge loss

Dr Becca Wheeler

I owe her so much for her inspirational support and guidance. She would want us to keep pushing forward!

Farmeco Community Care

I always treasured working with Caroline, a true visionary.

Duncan Williamson

Caroline was a tireless champion. Having worked with her for years over many projects it is difficult to imagine the sector without her.

Phil Le Grice

Caroline was without doubt one of the most committed & dedicated people within the agricultural industry. She was a huge positive force for good. Caroline used her energy, enthusiasm & wealth of knowledge to implement much better understanding of whole integrated farm management system with a real focus on improving soil health. Also a huge advocate of introducing new ways of bridging knowledge gap about farming. Since being an MP, I have interacted with Caroline, hearing some great evidence led opinions about how policy can be transformed & enhanced for better - and I most recently interacted with Caroline about the agri-skills agenda. As a fellow Nuffield Scholar, Caroline will be deeply missed. The farming sector has lost one of our real champions.

Robbie Moore MP

How do you give a tribute to Caroline Drummond? What an incredible legacy she leaves. Thank you, Caroline.

Johnny Wake

Courteenhall Farms, LEAF Member

She has driven so much positive change in food and farming. I shall be forever personally indebted to her, for the support and encouragement she gave me and others.

Jake Pickering

She was a tremendous supporter of the industry and spoke with great passion and energy. She was so generous with her time and a true bright light. She will be greatly missed.

Cereals Event

She was a powerful and pioneering champion of sustainable farming, a fantastic speaker and advocate for change and a great source of advice and support to the SSA. She will be sorely missed.

Sustainable Soils Alliance

Caroline was a visionary and indefatigable leader in driving forward UK agricultural sustainability over a distinguished 30-year career. She will be greatly missed.

Hummingbird Tech

She was such a wonderful ally and supporter of WFA and she will be sorely missed.

Women in Food & Agirculture

She was a remarkable woman who was always so full of energy and a great ambassador for British agriculture. She will be hugely missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Philip Case

Farmers Weekly

Such an amazing and compassionate lady. She will be missed by so many.

Barbara Bray MBE

Not only did she keep LEAF in order for all those years but she kept Shuttleworth students in check and well taught before that. Me included. RIP CD.

Charlie Whitehouse

UK agriculture has lost an amazing advocate. Her positive energy will be so missed by so many.

Robert Merrall

I only met her for the first time about a year ago but was just so impressed by her humanity and thoughtfulness. Inspiration is often an over-used term but not in Caroline’s case.

Farming Social Hub

It’s an unbelievable shock even to those of us who only knew her briefly, so I can’t imagine what a huge impact it is having for those of you who were so close to her. She was an incredible person with such charisma, passion and drive for change. Her achievements speak for themselves.

Verity Wilks Jordans Ryvita

She was an inspiration and has done so much for UK agriculture and sustainability and has been a trusted and important advisor and partner to M&S for many years.

Emmanuelle Hopkinson Marks and Spencer

I met her only twice but I was very impressed by her energy, leadership and charisma. She had been very supportive to DiverIMPACTS when we set up the project.

Antoine Messean

What an inspiration & positive driving force she has been. Hugely thankful for all the support she has given us since the launch of Agricology.

Agricology

I only had the opportunity to meet Caroline virtually through the LEAF workshops – she was an incredible women and hugely inspiring to me from both a personal and professional perspective.

Hetty Gittus

McDonalds

I have fondest memories of filming with Caroline, and her dynamic presence off and on camera.

Polly Ratue

Jordans

Caroline was a wonderful person and her incredible legacy will live on with so many communities.

Gemma Chapple

PepsiCo

She was such a force for good.

Kathleen Kelliher DEFRA

I was so lucky to have met her during COP26 and get inspired by a fantastic woman like her.

Ana Romero LEAF Board Member

She was such a life force. I remember meeting her for the first time as we sat together at the 1991 BAA dinner at The Dorchester (or Hilton). I had just joined BAA (now CropLife UK) and Caroline had just been appointed to set up LEAF. Amongst other things we discovered we had both been at Seale Hayne and both been Presidents of the Students Union!

Patrick Goldsworthy Goldsworthy Associates

Caroline was a force of nature and did so much for agriculture and the environment including inspiring Integrated Farm Management, the LEAF Demonstration Farms and Open Farm Sunday. She was a great supporter of Catchment Sensitive Farming and even spoke at our conference to inspire us.

Dr Philippa Mansfield Natural England

Caroline was a real professional, who contributed so much and had a huge amount more to give.

Richard Quinn

A powerhouse in her chosen industry. Caroline did so much to champion IPM and was ahead of her time with Conservation Agriculture. Her legacy will live long through her excellent team at LEAF.

Ian Gould

A wonderful lady who did transformational work. Will be missed by so many.

Meryl Ward

Caroline was an inspiration, and her foresight and energy transformed LEAF from its small beginnings to the globally recognised and respected organisation it is today.

Allister Nixon Yorkshire Agricultural Society

Caroline, you were an inspiration to those who worked with you, and a role model for all females who worked in the industry.

Clare King

Caroline achieved so much and had plans for so much more. We must all carry on where she left off.

Christine

Tacon

CBE Assured Food Standards (ASF)

Caroline has made an enormous impact across our industry over the decades. The Farming Community Network

I only got the pleasure of getting to know Caroline over the last couple of years, but quickly understood what a driven passionate leader she was.

Andy Bason

LEAF

Demonstration Farmer

Such a force in UK farming for so many years.

Nick von Westenholz

NFU Director of Trade and Business Strategy

I can’t believe that I’ll go to the farmers club and events and Caroline will not be there. She’s part and parcel of UK farming, part of the fabric. She will be so very missed.

Amy Jackson

Caroline’s remarkable achievements & vision will endure through LEAF and the many successes she leaves behind.

The Allerton Project LEAF Innovation Centre

Caroline was an inspiration to me and many others in the industry. It’s been a privilege to have known her.

Sion Williams

LEAF Demonstration Farmer

Our farming community has lost an absolutely inspirational woman.

John

Renner

LEAF Demonstration Farmer

It was a wonderful memory of travelling with Caroline to China in 2019 to share the LEAF knowledge with Chinese colleagues in Beijing and Yunnan Province. She will be hugely missed!

Yuelai Lu

A warm, bright, and inspirational person, that was 20 years ahead of her time. Very much enjoyed working with her. She will be sorely missed.

Prysor Williams

University of Bangor, LEAF Innovation Centre

Caroline was a giant in every respect.

Tiptree LEAF Demonstration Farm

Caroline was such an amazing person who has contributed so much to UK food and farming. She was also a lovely and beautiful person.

Lorna Dawson CBE, FRSE, FRSA

We have received hundreds of tributes for Caroline, remarking on her as a person as well as her many achievements during her 30 years as Chief Executive of LEAF. The outpouring of love, respect and admiration has been overwhelming.

There will never be enough words to adequately describe Caroline or sum up her impact on driving more sustainable, regenerative farming, yet there were some words that appeared time and time again in the messages that came flooding in...

Our profound thanks to all who sent messages of condolence. We have tried to include them all, but inevitably, there will be a number that we have overlooked, for which we apologise. Below are just some of the many individuals and organisations who reached out and shared their tributes with us:

A Greener World UK

ADAMA UK

ADAS Adele Jones

Agri-EPI Centre

AHDB

AIC UK

Ajay Sharman

Alan Wilson

Alastair Taylor

Alice Brooke Alice Groom

Alison Bosher

Alison Glennon Alison Rickett

Alistair Driver

Alli Grundy Alphabio Control

Andrew Brown

Andrew Clark Andrew Court

Andrew Ferguson Andrew Francis Andrew Meredith Andrew Wilson Andy Emery Andy Jones Andy Mitchell

Anna Eccleston

Anna Hill

Anne Sawbridge

Anthony Gibson

Anthony Snell

Aoife Maher Ash Gilman Ben Malowiecki Ben Reynolds

Biodynamic Association UK Bobby Barbour

British Grassland Society

Bruce Nelson

CARAS English Panel

Carol Ford

Carole Brunton

Caroline Hulland

Caroline Millar

Caroline Nichollss

Caroline Nye

Catherine Robinson

Charles Nicklin

Charles Whitaker

Charlie Beaty

Charlie Lankfer Chris Bishop Chris Hewis

Chris Horseman

Chris Reading

Chris Walkland

Christine Knipe

Christine McDowell

Christine Robertson

Christine Thompson

Christine Watts

Claire Backhouse

Claire Maloney

Claire Robinson

Content with Purpose Team

Co-op Farming & Fisheries

Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Countryways Wend

CPM Magazine CropLifeUK

Dale Newitt

Dan Saladino

Daniel Kindred Dave Back Dave Hughes David Allen

David Christian Rose David Exwood David Hall

David Oliver

Debbie Mather DEFRA

Donald Westwater

Donna and all at Brockhill School

Donna Neary

Dr Jenna Ross OBE

Dr Richard Binks

Dr Sarah Chave

Dr Sarah Morgan Duncan Fleming Duncan Rawson

E W Davies Farms Ltd

Earth Trust

East of England Ag Society

Ed Cooper BSc Ag MBPR FACTS

Eden Project

Eleanor M Harris

Ellie Brodie Elsa Healy Emily Pope Emma Ralph Emma Schierbaum Energy Now Eva Ross

Farm Carbon Toolkit

Forest Research Society

Gavin Lane

Geoff Sansome George Hosier Gill Perkins Grace O’Dwyer

Graeme Cock Graham Dickinson Graham Wilkinson

Great Tew Estate Grow Green

Hannah Lloyd

Harper Adams University

Heather Briggs Heidi Cunningham

Helena Houghton

Henry Riley

Hill Farm Honor Eldridge

Iain McDonell Iain Riddell Ian Michell

Ian Nutt

Innovating Ag Tech Interagro

ISEAL

Isobel Davidson Jackie Evans Jake Steven Jacobs James Hutton Institute Jan England Jenny Knight Jersey Dairy Jill Attenborough Jim Flambert

Joe Bailey Joe Mitchell

John Charles-Jones

John Giles

John Humphreys

John Knapton

John Pain

John Pawsey

Josie Turner

Julia Aglionby

Julia Cooper Julia Hawley

Julian Barnes

Julie Robinson

Karl McConville Kate Henderson Kate Hopper Kate Morgan Kate Pressland Katie Jones Katrina Barclay Kelly Price

Kent County Agircultural Society

Kirsty Brannan Kit Franklin Leigh Hoath Lindsay Monaghan

Lisa Morgans Lizzie Wilson

Lucy Bates Lucy Taylor Luke Ryder Lynsey Martin Mai Bea Mandy Lucas Mark Barnett Mark Betson Mark Driscoll Martin Lines Max Smith MDS Ltd

Meat Business Women

Megan Lock Mel Stonard Mellow Yellow Michael Lord

Michael Slysally

Michelle Werrett

Mike Abram

Mike Knowles

Mike Pocock

Mike Porter

Mike Potter

Mike Storey

Mole Valley Farmers Natashe Bready

Nathan Nelson

Navaratnam Partheeban Neil Darwent

NFU Horticulture & Potatoes NFYC Nicky Naylor Nuffield Australia

Oakbank Game

OF&G

Organic Research Centre Pasture For Life

Paul Barnes

Paul Meakin Paul Temple Penelope J Bossom PepsiCo

Peter Gee

Phil Pengelly

Philip Dolbear

Philip Sifolongwane

Phillipa Charles

Pinstone

Pipers Farm

PLP Team

Prof. Eileen Wall

Prof. Wendy Russell Pure Kent RABDF RABI RACA

Rachael Hamilton Ramesh Panavalli

Reaseheath College

Rebecca Ferne Pearce Reverberate PR RHET

Richard Bower

Richard Harrison Richard Williamson Richard Wordsworth Rob Chester Rob Clayton Robert Sheasby Roger Kerr Rose O’Neill

Rosemary Collier Royal Agricultural University Roz Reynolds

RSPCA Assured Rural Business Network

Ruth Ashfield Ruth Chambers

Ruth Jewkes

Sally Ann Spence Sally Mercer Sam Conway

Sarah Clay

Sarah Helliwell

Sarah Hendry

Sarah Palmer

Sarah Woollam

Shaun Spiers

Sheena Horner

Shelia Crispin

Simon Bainbridge Simon Billing

Simon Bull Simon Leney SJ Drummond

Society for the Environment Soozie Sophie Aplin Sophie Mott

Sophie Throup Stephen Boxall Stephen James Stephen Kenney

Stephen Mackenzie

Stephen Trotter

Steven Jacobs Stracarthro Estates

Sue Lawton

Sustainable Food Trust

SW Farm Consultants

Tanya Steele Tesco

The Barker Boys

The Farmers Club Charitable Trust

The Farming Programme

The VI

Tim Downes

Tim Rose

Tim Rycroft

Tom Lancaster

Trudy Herniman Vicki Hird

Victoria Prentis Virginie Roell

Wantisden Hall Farms

Warwick University Wendy Gray

Westmorland County Agricultural Society Will France William Baillie William Church WWF Yara Zoe Leach Zofia Esland