Secretary General of the International Meat Secretariat (IMS) Dr Phil Hadley was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
Hadley, who was international market development director at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) before joining IMS, was awarded the MBE for his services to international trade in agriculture.
Commenting on his award, Hadley said: “It’s a tremendous honour to have been recognised for my role in securing market access and creating trade opportunities for UK farmers and food producers. Being able to export is an absolute must for the red meat sector to balance the carcass and secure high value opportunities overseas, while also underpinning livestock values for producers.
“I’m delighted to have played a part in driving export growth over many years, working with both industry and Government, and I am honoured to receive this award.”
Also appearing on the honours list was Donald Morrow, head of dairy, pigs, poultry and crops branch, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), for his services to the agriculture industry and to scouting in Northern Ireland.
Other members of the food and agriculture industries who have been recognised this year include:
- Andrew James Richardson, chair of the Food and Drink Wales Board. MBE for services to the food and drink sector.
- Dr Kulin Kantilal Patel, veterinary advisor for International Trade, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. OBE for services to animal health and to international trade.
- Geoffrey Sansome, lately head of Agriculture at Natural England. MBE for services to farming and the voluntary sector.
- Paul Caldwell, CEO of Rural Payments Agency. CBE for services to agriculture and to rural areas.
- Richard Ikin, founder of the Young Farmer Development Award. MBE for services to farming, agriculture and industry.
