Countess of Wessex

Sophie Helen, the Countess of Wessex

LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) has named the Countess of Wessex as its new honorary president as it embarks on a five-year strategy to cement its position as a global leader on sustainable food and farming.

The announcement was made at LEAF’s 25th anniversary dinner held at The Crystal events venue in London.

Sophie Helen, the Countess of Wessex will take over from Baroness Hazel Byford. Commenting on the announcement, LEAF chairman Stephen Fell said: “We are delighted that such an energetic and committed member of the royal family will be supporting our work as our new honorary president.

“With our ambitious five-year strategy looking to stretch our impact and work, we are pleased to be having the support of The Countess to bring in new ideas, especially in our outreach work with communities and people, in building a better understanding of food farming and healthy lifestyles.

“We are very grateful to the wonderful support of Baroness Byford in her role as president over the last ten years and we look forward to her continuing involvement.”

Baroness Byford added: “I have greatly enjoyed my time working so closely with LEAF and seeing it grow from strength to strength, both here in the UK and in the wider international world.

“I look forward to continuing as an ambassador for LEAF’s valuable work. I wish my successor every success in her role as honorary president during this changing and exciting time for our farming industry.”