Leading lights in the food and farming sectors have been honoured by the Queen in her New Year’s list.
Colin Smith has earned an OBE for services to Assured Food Standards.
Former chairman of the organisation, Smith was instrumental in raising awareness of the Red Tractor scheme among both consumers and industry.
Also in receipt of an OBE is Professor Margaret Gill, formerly chief scientific adviser for rural affairs and the environment to the Scottish government.
Chris Lowe, professor of biotechnology at Cambridge University, has been awarded an OBE for services to science and David Whitehead, director of the British Ports Association, has also been made an OBE for his lengthy service to the British maritime industry.
Stephen Hale, formerly director of the Green Alliance, was awarded an OBE for services to the environment.
MBEs were awarded this year to William Vaughan, president of the Farmers’ Union of Wales for his services to agriculture and to William James Simpson for services to horticulture and the community in Worcestershire.