LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Helen Ferrier as its new Director of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange.

 Dr Ferrier joins LEAF from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), where she is currently Chief Science and Innovation Adviser. She brings with her extensive experience in agricultural policy, regulation, and innovation at the highest levels of government, as well as a broad national network shaped by her years of leadership in science-based policy development.

Helen has an academic background in environment and human health, epidemiology and environmental science. Before joining the NFU in 2004, she was a research scientist at Imperial College London, working on probabilistic modelling of dietary exposure to pesticides.  As well as being a non-executive Director of Niab, Helen is chair of the Crop Science Centre Alliance Board; a member of the Farm Data Principles Council; Defra’s Precision Breeding Working Group and of many other groups in the agrifood and research community. 

Dr Helen Ferrier expressed her excitement in joining LEAF: “I am so excited to be joining an organisation with such a focus and ambition to tackle the urgent and existential challenges of climate change, biodiversity and supply of nutritious food for all. Farming can and must play a central role in delivering solutions and change at a greater pace and scale, and LEAF is in a fantastic position to support practical, evidence-based, long-term action by our farmers, supply networks, governments, civil society, and by everyone who eats.

 “I believe innovation is vital in achieving transformational change towards truly sustainable and regenerative farming systems around the world, demonstrating what works on the ground and what can be achieved through the sharing of scientifically robust evidence and knowledge. The opportunity to use my skills and experience as part of the LEAF team, and working with the membership to make a real, practical difference for such an important cause, is a dream come true. I am looking forward to lots of collaborations and partnerships and seeing the positive changes we can achieve through learning together in an inclusive, open and committed environment.”

 David Webster, Chief Executive of LEAF, commented: “I am delighted Helen has chosen to join LEAF given her wealth of experience in research and innovation policy at the very highest levels of Government. Our charitable purpose as LEAF is to facilitate the understanding and adoption of more sustainable farming practices globally. Helen’s experience and insight will be an excellent addition to LEAF that will significantly complement and support the work of our Integrated Farm Management (IFM) and Knowledge Exchange team to drive our influence and impact."

 David continues: “The pressures associated with climate change and nature loss will not abate and farming faces very significant challenges adapting to more volatile weather conditions and increasing demands for due diligence. In that context, we want to optimise the insight and services we can provide to our farmer members to help them navigate change in the interests of their businesses and the natural environment that sustains all food supply. Helen is incredibly well placed to help us deliver that aim.”

 Dan Stevenson, currently LEAF’s IFM Manager, has been appointed Head of Sustainable Farming, a new role that reflects LEAF’s ongoing commitment to delivering positive change through practical, on-the-ground solutions.   Prior to joining LEAF, Dan spent 19 years in the veterinary sector, during which he was Clinical Director at LLM Farm Vets.   Dan will serve as interim caretaker of the Director role until Helen takes up her position later this year.

This leadership evolution marks an exciting new chapter for LEAF as it strengthens its position at the forefront of sustainable farming innovation, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration.