Poultry and veterinary figures included in New Year Honours
Several meat industry figures from the poultry and veterinary sectors received awards in His Majesty the King’s first New Year Honours List.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the King’s New Year Honours. The Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry and is second only to a damehood or knighthood.
The honour recognises her role in maintaining the high standard of animal health and welfare in the UK following its departure from the EU, and her efforts in managing the largest ever outbreak of avian influenza flu.
Since becoming CVO in 2018, Christine has led the UK’s approach on numerous vital issues ranging from global animal health issues; biosecurity and disease risk management; and trade and market access agreements.
This year she has been instrumental in the government’s efforts to manage the unprecedented ongoing outbreak of avian influenza, helping to limit the spread of the disease and mitigate its impacts on farmers and the public, as well as international trade.
Christine Middlemiss said: “I am truly humbled to be awarded this honour. For me, it demonstrates the recognition of the importance of having vets in government and what we do. As we’ve seen over the last few years, vets have a critical role in a variety of issues including new and emerging diseases, food supply and supporting people fleeing conflict with their beloved pets.
“I am very proud of the work we do and I am passionate about inspiring confidence in women and girls hoping to pursue careers in science, as well as ensuring that we have highly expert and experienced public sector vets to continue to make a significant positive impact.”
Defra Permanent Secretary Tamara Finkelstein said: “Since becoming chief veterinary officer in 2018, Christine has achieved accomplishments of national and international importance, so I am delighted to see her huge contributions to veterinary, farming and the United Kingdom being recognised in this way.
“She has repeatedly provided outstanding leadership and valuable expert advice whilst dealing with extremely challenging issues – her honour is thoroughly deserved.
“Throughout her time as CVO, Christine has represented the UK on the international stage, including at the G7 summit, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) discussions at the World Organisation for Animal Health, and at several bilateral trade negotiations.”
Poultry Industry
Ursula Lavery, technical and R&D Director Europe, has been awarded an MBE for services to the Agri-Food Industry and to the Economy in Northern Ireland.
She said: “I am absolutely delighted and very humbled to receive this honour. I am proud to be part of the Northern Ireland Agri-Food industry, and this award is testament to the talented people I work with and everything we are doing to drive food integrity, animal welfare and provide a sustainable supply chain for our farmers and customers.”
Congratulating Ursula, Chris Kirke, president of Moy Park said: “Ursula is committed to achieving excellence across the supply chain, from farm to fork. She is a dedicated researcher, director and leader in our industry and on behalf of Moy Park we offer her our congratulations.”
Robin Faccenda, who established the Faccenda Group in 1962 received an OBE for his services to the poultry industry and education. That company grew to become the second biggest UK chicken processing company. In 2018 it merged with Cargill and is now Avara, one of the UK’s largest food operators.
Agriculture
The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s (TIAH) chief executive, Janet Swadling, has been awarded an OBE for services to farming and to education.
Janet is well-known in the field of agricultural education, skills and development, having held a variety of senior posts in the sector over nearly 30 years.
In addition to having played a pivotal role in TIAH’s formation, Janet is a former chief executive of Scotland’s Rural College. She currently also sits on the Boards of several organisations including AHDB and Zero Waste Scotland, and is an Associate of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
Janet said: “The award of an OBE is a wonderful surprise. I feel tremendously honoured to have been recognised in this way.
“Throughout my career, particularly at Scotland’s Rural College and establishing The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture, I have been fortunate to work with some very talented people without whose support and team working this award would not have been possible.
TIAH’s chair David Fursdon said: “Janet has had a very distinguished career and we are extremely lucky that she has brought her huge experience and knowledge together to skilfully position TIAH as a force for professionalism in agriculture and horticulture.
“It has been under Janet’s expert leadership that TIAH has emerged as a key organisation to drive skills, training and development within the industry. On behalf of the Board and the staff team at TIAH, I congratulate Janet on this wonderful and very well-deserved award.”
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