Tribute to LEAF CEO Caroline Drummond

It is with great sadness that we received news of Caroline Drummond’s passing on Monday 23^rd May.

Caroline was a huge supporter of the agricultural education and research provided by the University of Reading and we are proud that our Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) facility has held the status of a LEAF Innovation Centre since 2018. Caroline (pictured at an event to recognise CEDAR as a LEAF innovation centre) was absolutely passionate about promoting sustainable food and farming practices through integrated farm management.

She grew LEAF over a 30-year period into a globally recognised and respected organisation with the LEAF marque considered a badge of honour amongst food producers. Through Open Farm Sunday, that the University farm participates in, she ensured that people of all generations and backgrounds became more familiar with how their food is produced and how valuable farmers are as custodians of the countryside.

Caroline was a member of the Advisory Board of FoodSEqual, one of the flagship projects funded by the Transforming the UK Food System Strategic Priority Fund. She made valuable contributions during development of the successful bid and in her Advisory Board role, demonstrating her knowledge of and commitment to the whole food system. Caroline leaves an enormous legacy, that will live on through the continued work of LEAF, and the University of Reading is proud to support the organisation’s mission and vision through our research, education and farming practice.

We extend our deepest sympathies to her husband Philip Ward, their daughter Gabrielle, and her many colleagues and friends at LEAF.

Professor Carol Wagstaff, Research Dean for Agriculture, Food and Health