New LEAF chairman

Philip Wynn and Stephen Fell

Sustainable agriculture certification LEAF has named Philip Wynn as its new chairman to replace Stephen Fell who steps down after eight years.

Wynn has a 40-year career in advising businesses in the agriculture industry as well as managing 7,000 acres of arable farming in Lincolnshire. He has previously been the manager of Nevile Estate in Lincolnshire, one of LEAF’s first demonstration farms.

He 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).”

Fell added: “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.”

Over 1,000 businesses are now certified by LEAF Marque, with a total area covering 367,395 hectares.

Chief executive Caroline Drummond MBE 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.”