The lead director at UK organic certification body The Soil Association is to the step down from the role, it was announced today (29 June).

Patrick Holden will leave the association in September after 15 years as its director.

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The 59-year-old said he would look to promote sustainable farming internationally and “accelerate the transition towards more sustainable food systems”.

Holden said: “After 15 years as director and more than 20 years working for the association I believe that now is the right time to hand over to a successor to take the work of the association forward.”

“It has been an enormous privilege to serve the Soil Association over a period where interest in organic and sustainable food enjoyed tremendous growth and I should like to pay tribute to all those who have made my job so stimulating and rewarding over the years.”

The Soil Association said it was now recruiting for Holden’s successor.

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