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Lord Don Curry receives Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture

Lord Don Curry has been named as the 2016 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture, at the British Farming Awards.

The announcement was made to a packed crowd of more than 650 farmers and industry professionals at the Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich.

The linchpin of agriculture received rapturous applause from the audience for his achievements and influence on British agriculture and politics, which has spanned a 65-year career.

Hailing from Kirkharle, Northumberland and the son of farmer, Don has steadfastly worked his way as a grass roots tenant farmer to a much respected, influential figure within agriculture thanks to a host of key achievements.

He produced the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food report to Government in January 2002, which led to a fundamental review of agricultural policy across the UK.

Known as the ‘Curry Report’, he was then asked to implement the report’s recommendations and was responsible for overseeing the Government’s Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food until March 2009.

Lord Curry was awarded a CBE for his services to agriculture in 1997, a knighthood in 2001 and ennobled in 2011.

Advocate

He was introduced in the House of Lords in 2011 and has continued to be the voice in Parliament to advocate positive change across the agricultural industry.

He has been a board member of about 12 different companies, a committee member for 25 orgnisations and a leading member on eight councils.

Celebrating his 72nd birthday earlier this year with his wife Rhoda, he continues to tenant farm back in Northumberland and runs a share farming agreement grazing sheep.

Speaking to the British Farming Awards shortly after receiving his award:

He says: “It is a huge honour to have been presented with this award by the British Farming Awards. I feel very humbled, and blessed, to have had the privilege of being involved in so many aspects of the farming and food sector over the past 30 years, or so.

“I have made so many wonderful friends over that time. I was born into farming, and grew up on a family farm in Northumberland, so to be chosen by one’s peers for this award is very special indeed. I shall treasure it for the rest on my life.”