Tom Green has been named as the new chairman of LEAF Marque, LEAF's environmental assurance system.
Green joined the LEAF Marque board, which works closely with the LEAF board of trustees, on 29January 2018 and will hold the position for three years. He will also join the LEAF board.
Having spent his entire career working in the agricultural industry, Green has increasingly focused on agri-tech opportunities, applying his experience in both crops and livestock to accelerate development and deployment of new technology solutions, both in the UK and internationally.
LEAF chairman Philip Wynn said: “It is an enormous pleasure to welcome Tom Green as our new chairman of LEAF Marque. Our industry is about to enter a period of unprecedented change where farmers will need to refocus their efforts on both efficiency and sustainable production systems to meet the needs of both government policy and an ever more knowledgeable and discerning consumer.
'It is now clear that future agricultural policy will reward those who practice a fully integrated approach to growing food; LEAF Marque certification demonstrates a very high level of attainment in a business’ production system with strong environmental credentials.
“The opportunity for LEAF Marque in this new era for our industry is significant and I know Tom, with his valuable experience within the sector, will drive increased engagement with all the stakeholders in the supply chain to ensure that this leading assurance system is recognised as the ‘go to’ vehicle for retailers, processors and farmers wanting to demonstrate their sustainability commitments of food grown with care.”
Green added: “I am delighted to be taking on the chairmanship of LEAF Marque at a time when the pace of change and the challenges and opportunities in our industry have perhaps never been greater.
“Sustainability is a simple word but a complex objective. Concerns about the economic, environmental and social impact of our farming and food industries, and the provenance of our food, are priorities for consumers and farmers, but also for every player in the food chain. Input suppliers, branded food manufacturers, retailers and government all want to be associated with best practice and continuous improvement in this area.
“I am looking forward to working with the team at LEAF and our partners throughout the supply chain to exploit all the opportunities offered by new technology and changing market circumstances to grow the LEAF Marque system and make it ubiquitous for procurement of all farm production which goes into the UK food chain.”
Green's first public engagement as LEAF Marque chairman will be a reception at the House of Commons on 15May 2018 to celebrate LEAF Marque’s 15thanniversary and announce future ambitions.
No comments yet