The Soil Association has elected Dennis Overton as its new chair of trustees.
Overton has taken over the role from Orna NiChionna who stepped down after a six-year term as chair.
Based near Inverness, Overton has served on the Soil Association council of trustees since 2006, and was elected as vice-chair in 2012.
He said: “These are important times for the Soil Association. In a world that has put much of its faith in consumerism and which is facing a relentless drive for cheaper food at any cost, we are working to try and achieve a healthy balance between the needs of consumers, citizens, food producers and the environment.
“For me, the soil is where it all begins. My family’s involvement with crofting in the North Highlands has taught me this connection with the earth is incredibly important. It’s largely this that inspired me to join the Soil Association in the first place - along with the desire to work with farmers and growers to explore and develop the potential of organic methods to reinvigorate our soils.
“I believe everyone, especially the most vulnerable, should have access to local, seasonal, affordable and healthy food and that’s why I am delighted to be working with an organisation that shares this vision. I’m looking forward to leading the Soil Association, and working with our partners, in its inspiring work to make good food the norm in schools, hospitals and all places where people have little food choice.”
Overton also paid tribute to outgoing chair Orna NiChionna: “Orna will be a very hard act to follow. She has led the Soil Association so brilliantly through a period of change and development, and the organic movement is indebted to her. Orna remains a trustee, and her ongoing support and wisdom will be invaluable.”
The Soil Association is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for healthy, humane and sustainable food and farming.
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