I’m new to agriculture, but my interest in food chains and food security started while living in America. I saw so much processed food and additives when shopping in the supermarkets, and it made me realise just how crucial it is to maintain high food standards and transparency in food production. Watching Clarkson’s Farm also opened my eyes to the many challenges farmers face—ranging from unpredictable weather and rising costs to complex government regulations and concerns about food security. It made me appreciate how vital farmers are and how much they’re up against. So, when the opportunity came up to work at RDP, it felt like a natural fit. What could be more important than being part of the agricultural industry?

I love the endless amount of knowledge you can acquire. Farming is so scientific, and you feel like you are constantly learning. There are so many changes around sustainability and securing our food supply, along with factors at play such as climate change, soil health, crop genetics and supply chains. There is also the introduction of new technologies such as precision farming and seeing how that will shape farming in years to come. I’m excited to see what the future holds.

The response from the UK government will be critical in securing our food supply. We need to maintain our standards and ensure we do not import sub-standard food which harms our locally-grown industry. We also need to secure trade deals with other countries to bolster our UK farming industry. The government needs to take counsel from the leaders and experts within the farming industry to help in this critical decision making.

I am motivated by learning – the agricultural industry is always changing, it’s very technical and extremely varied. This means no two days are the same and I am constantly learning something new.

I would love to give a TED talk on being a collaborator. I see my special skill as bringing people together, understanding that everyone has something unique to bring to the table.

I would be Borage. I love bright colours, Borage has beautiful bright blue, star-shaped flowers. It flowers through the Summer, like me who thrives in the sunshine and loves to be outside as much as possible.