The Soil Association has announced that its director, Patrick Holden, will step down from his position on 30 September, and will hand over to his successor following a publicly advertised recruitment process.
Mr Holden, who has served as director of the Soil Association since 1995, commented: 'After 15 years as director and more than 20 years working for the Association, I believe that now is the right time to hand over to a successor to take the work of the Association forward.'
He said that this move would offer him more time to concentrate on promoting sustainable farming internationally, particularly at a time of 'growing concern about the security and fragility of our food systems'.
'It has been an enormous privilege to serve the Soil Association over a period where interest in organic and sustainable food enjoyed tremendous growth,' he said, 'and I should like to pay tribute to all those who have made my job so stimulating and rewarding over the years.”
