Lyndon Edwards has been elected RABDF chairman. He succeeds Tim Brigstocke who steps down after six years in office, and he brings a comprehensive wealth of knowledge and experience to the Association as an agri-businessman and practical farmer.

Lyndon Edwards has been elected RABDF chairman.

Lyndon is managing partner of a 560 acre organic dairy farm based near Chepstow, Monmouthshire, which carries the 200 cow Beechpike pedigree herd. A former Nuffield Scholar and Waitangi fellow, he is also a director of OMSCo. During the last two years, he has introduced a diversification enterprise converting redundant farm buildings to high quality offices for rental.

“Following three years as vice chair of RABDF, I am delighted to be elected chairman, and in the first instance I would like to pay tribute to Tim Brigstocke for his positive contribution to the industry,” he says. “I hope to continue that influence during my term of office and I will work hard to get a better deal for British dairy producers.”

Campaigning for the fair trade concept to be successfully introduced to milk is among Lyndon’s goals. “During the past 18 months, fair trade labelled products which guarantee a fair minimum price to farmers from developing countries have become widely accepted by consumers, so why not introduce those same trading standards to ensure a sustainable UK dairy sector?” he says, adding: “I’m also a firm believer in co-operation, and will be urging our fragmented dairy sector to work together more cohesively, and subsequently develop a stronger voice.”

· Newly elected RABDF vice chairman is David Cotton who farms a 160 cow unit in a family partnership at West Bradley, Glastonbury, Somerset. The unit is also home to the Kingshay Farming Trust and hosts a variety of trials.

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