Baroness Byford becomes WFU Patron

Baroness Byford has been appointed Patron of the Women’s Food and Farming Union.

“We’re delighted Lady Byford has agreed to become our Patron,” said WFU President Ionwen Lewis. “She has worked with WFU in the past, speaking at our conferences and seminars and advising us on political issues affecting our industry.

“Hazel was our only choice for the position of Patron, the first time we have made such an appointment. Through her work formerly as shadow spokesman for food, farming and rural affairs in the House of Lords Lady Byford has a full understanding of the issues facing UK agriculture and is a well-known and respected name within our industry.”

Baroness Byford said: “I feel extremely honoured to be asked to become Patron of WFU. I have seen and experienced at first hand the important work that the organisation carries out, and fully support the aims and ideals WFU stands for. Members work extremely hard in lobbying, promoting and informing consumers about UK agriculture and food production.

“As the Year of Food and Farming programme begins WFU’s successful long-running Farming in the Classroom programme is particularly relevant in its aim to promote British food and farming with schoolchildren,” said Baroness Byford.

The Baroness Byford DBE

Hazel Byford was born in January 1941 and educated at St Leonards School, St Andrews, Fife. On leaving school, Hazel attended the Northamptonshire Agricultural College at Moulton. She was a poultry farmer producing parent stock for Thornbers. From 1961 to 1976 she joined the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service as a member of the County Staff, and was County Organiser for Leicestershire from 1972-76.

She is a Canon of Leicester Cathedral and an Associate Member of Royal Agricultural Societies. She is also a patron of several other rural organisations: Rural Stress network, Village Retail Services Association, National Farm Attractions Network, and the Institute of the Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators. Lady Byford is also President of the RABDF, the FACE strategy group, LEAF and Concordia, and an honorary associate member of the British Veterinary Association and of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Lady Byford was Chairman of the East Midlands Women's Conservative Committee from 1986-89, Women's National Vice Chairman from 1989-90, and Chairman from 1990-93. She was Vice President of the National Union 1993-95 and President in 1996. She chaired the Conservative Party Conference in Bournemouth in 1996. Lady Byford was created a Life Peer in 1996. Until 2007 she was a Shadow Minister in the Lords for Food & Rural Affairs.