ABOUT US

Christine Tacon​

Christine was the first Groceries Code Adjudicator, achieving significant cultural change and bringing greater fairness for producers supplying the UK's largest supermarkets. She chaired Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor) until 2024, which manages and promotes assurance of the food industry. She is now a Member Nominated Director of the Co-op Group, which not only covers their stores but also the legal services, insurance and funeralcare businesses. Christine also chairs MDS, a graduate/second career recruitment and training business offering two years' work experience for future leaders in the food industry. Additionally, she chairs the BBC Rural Affairs Committee.

Christine is a Chartered Engineer with 12 years of experience in sales and marketing at Fonterra, Mars, and Vodafone. She also ran the Co-operative Group's farming business for 11 years.

Clare Otridge

Clare is Research Director at the market research agency, Grounded Research, specialising in the food supply chain from farmer to consumer. Grounded Research has undertaken research on behalf of DEFRA, Bayer, NFFN, Natural England, NFU, The Environment Agency, British Growers, RSPCA Assured, Red Tractor, and Basis in the agricultural sector. On the food consumer side, they have worked with all the major retailers and suppliers.

Prior to working in agriculture and food, Clare worked in a number of sectors within a marketing capacity. Using the communication and engagement skills she gained in marketing.

Debbie Winstanley

Technical and Agronomy Manager, currently leading strategic fresh produce projects. She was recently appointed as a Governor at Harper Adams University. Debbie previously held a Senior Technical Management role at PepsiCo, overseeing the supply of potatoes, apples, and oats from the UK. Prior to that, she worked in Product Technology at Co-op Food and Sainsbury's, managing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eve Jeffords

Eve is a Senior Product Manager specializing in agricultural technology, with expertise in developing data-driven solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency and sustainability. She has a strong background in strategic planning, product development, and stakeholder collaboration, focusing on creating accessible tools that empower farmers and agribusinesses. Passionate about the future of agriculture, Eve is committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the sector.

Emma Chapelhow

Emma grew up on farms, including her family’s tenant arable farm, and went on to study agriculture right through to a PhD. She’s spent her career in agri‑innovation, helping businesses develop new tech and take it to market around the world. Today, she’s a Director at an agri‑AI company, combining deep sector knowledge with commercialisation expertise.

Dannielle Robb

Dannielle holds a BSc in Environmental Science, an MSc in Climate Change, and a PhD in Soil Science from Cranfield University, where she researched biostimulants in partnership with Sainsbury’s. She has practical experience from her work with Suffolk County Council on energy‑efficiency outreach and has published peer‑reviewed papers on agronomy and farmer technology engagement.

Dannielle volunteers with the British Society of Soil Science and the Women in Food and Farming network, and her work has been recognised internationally, including an observer invitation to COP27. She is also FACTS qualified

Jess Millbank

Jess is an Environmental Advisor at Sentry and holds a BSc (Hons) in Geography and Environmental Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Agri‑business and Food Chain Management from Harper Adams University. Alongside her studies, Jess gained hands‑on experience through her family’s farming business, giving her a grounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing British agriculture.

Jess is also a LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Registered Advisor.