ABOUT US
Women in Food and Farming is a free networking community for women in the UK working along the food supply chain. We run a number of face to face events throughout the year as well as having a presence at major conferences and events in the food and farming sector.
Steering Group
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.
Jane has an honorary role as a member of the steering group of the Allerton Trust and the steering board of CUPGRA. She is also a BASIS examiner, providing support and training. Jane is passionate about developing clear communication between growers and retailers, and supporting younger colleagues.
Eve Jefford
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.
Operations Team
Dannielle Roche
Emma Chapelhow
Heidi Phillips
Marie Charles
Events Gallery
